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  What it means

  Literally, “to lay on the table.” Figuratively, it means to present something openly and directly — to reveal one’s position, intentions, or demands without hiding anything. The extended form “położyć karty na stół” (to lay one’s cards on the table) makes the poker metaphor explicit. It is used in negotiations, confrontations, and honest conversations where someone stops being evasive.

  Vocabulary

  • kłaść — to lay, to place (imperfective verb; perfective: położyć)
  • stół — table (masculine noun; na stół = onto the table, accusative with na)
  • na stole — on the table (locative — location); contrast with 'na stół' (accusative — direction)
  • karty — cards (plural of karta; 'karty na stół' = cards on the table)

  Grammar note

  'Na stół' uses 'na' with the accusative case to express direction or placement onto the table. Compare with 'na stole' (locative), which describes the location 'on the table.' This accusative/locative distinction with 'na' is a fundamental Polish grammar point: 'na' + accusative = motion toward; 'na' + locative = static position.

  Cultural context

  Neutral register, used in both literal and figurative senses in everyday speech and business. The figurative meaning — openly stating one's position — is common in negotiations, relationships, and political discussions. Very similar to English 'to put your cards on the table' or 'to lay everything out in the open.'

  Beginner

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