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  What it means

  Literally, “to lay on the table.” Figuratively, it means to present something openly and directly, revealing one’s position, intentions, or demands without hiding anything. The longer form “położyć karty na stół” (to lay one’s cards on the table) makes the poker image clear. It is used in negotiations, confrontations, and honest conversations when 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 literally and figuratively in everyday speech and business. The figurative meaning, openly stating one's position, is common in negotiations, relationships, and political discussions. It is close to English 'to put your cards on the table' or 'to lay everything out in the open.'

  Beginner

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