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  What it means

  Literally “to walk one’s own paths,” this idiom means to go one’s own way or follow one’s own course in life. Figuratively, it describes someone who acts independently, makes their own choices, and does not follow the crowd or others’ expectations. Poles use it for people who are self-directed or have parted ways with a group, whether in a career, friendship, or life philosophy. Its tone is neutral to positive, often suggesting quiet confidence rather than stubbornness.

  Vocabulary

  • iść — to go (on foot), to walk
  • swoimi — one's own (instrumental plural of swój)
  • ścieżkami — paths, trails (instrumental plural of ścieżka)

  Grammar note

  The verb 'iść' (imperfective, meaning ongoing movement) governs 'swoimi ścieżkami' in the instrumental case. Polish uses the instrumental after certain verbs of motion and state. 'Swoimi' is the instrumental plural of the reflexive possessive pronoun 'swój,' which refers back to the subject; here it means 'his/her/their own.'

  Cultural context

  This phrase is common in reflective, literary, or slightly elevated speech. You may hear it in an interview about a career shift, or in fiction about a protagonist's independence. It is not vulgar or slangy; it suits both formal and casual registers.

  Intermediate

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