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  What it means

  Literally “every wagtail praises its own tail,” this proverb means that everyone promotes themselves and thinks highly of their own qualities or work. It is equivalent to the English saying “every cook praises their own broth.” It is used to note self-serving bias or partiality toward one’s own output.

  Vocabulary

  • pliszka — wagtail (a small common bird)
  • swój — one's own (reflexive possessive)
  • ogonek — little tail (diminutive of 'ogon')
  • chwali — praises (third-person singular of 'chwalić')

  Grammar note

  The reflexive possessive pronoun 'swój' refers back to the subject of the clause, meaning each wagtail praises its own tail — a pattern recurring throughout Polish proverbs.

  Cultural context

  Polish has a rich tradition of animal-based proverbs. The wagtail (pliszka) is a familiar bird in Poland, making it a natural image in folk sayings.

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