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  What it means

  Literally “to play with open cards,” this idiom means to be fully open, honest, and direct, showing your hand instead of keeping secrets. It comes from card games where putting cards face-up shows you have nothing to hide. Poles use it for someone who speaks honestly and has no hidden agenda. The opposite is ‘grać w ciemno’ (playing in the dark) or acting secretively.

  Vocabulary

  • grać — to play
  • otwarte — open (accusative plural, neuter, agreeing with karty)
  • karty — cards (accusative plural of karta)

  Grammar note

  The phrase uses 'w' + accusative: 'w otwarte karty', a standard construction for games and similar activities (compare 'grać w karty' — to play cards, 'grać w piłkę' — to play ball). The adjective 'otwarte' agrees with 'karty' in accusative plural feminine/neuter form.

  Cultural context

  This neutral to positive idiom is used in business, politics, and personal relationships. Saying 'zagrajmy w otwarte karty' (let's play with open cards) invites honest dialogue. It is widely understood and used by all age groups in every register of modern Polish.

  Beginner

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