Gałązka oliwna
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What it means
Literally “olive branch.” The universal symbol of peace, reconciliation, and goodwill. Used in Polish exactly as in English — to extend an olive branch means to make a gesture of peace or offer to resolve a conflict.
Vocabulary
- gałązka — small branch, twig (diminutive of 'gałąź')
- oliwna — olive (adjective, feminine)
Grammar note
'Oliwna' is a feminine nominative adjective agreeing with 'gałązka'.
Cultural context
The image comes from the biblical story of Noah's ark, where a dove returns with an olive branch signalling the end of the flood.
Beginner
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