Lepiej dmuchać na zimne
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What it means
Literally “better to blow on the cold.” Means better safe than sorry — it’s wiser to take precautions even when the danger seems to have passed, just in case.
Vocabulary
- lepiej — better (comparative of 'dobrze')
- dmuchać — to blow (imperfective)
- zimne — cold (neuter adjective used as noun)
Grammar note
'Na zimne' uses the accusative after 'na'. The image is of blowing on food that has already cooled — being overly cautious.
Cultural context
A very common Polish proverb used to justify caution or preparation. The image of blowing on already-cold food is charmingly absurd.
Beginner
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