polski.directory

[ Learn Polish. All resources, one place. ]
  • Listen

    What it means

    Literally “salon lion.” Describes a charming, socially brilliant man who is the centre of attention at parties and social gatherings — “a social lion,” “the life of the party,” “a man about town.”

    Vocabulary

    • lew — lion
    • salonowy — salon, drawing-room (adjective)

    Grammar note

    Nominative masculine noun phrase. 'Salonowy' agrees with 'lew'.

    Cultural context

    The 'salon' as the centre of aristocratic social life in 18th–19th century Poland — a lew salonowy was the most sought-after guest.

    Intermediate

Noticed a typo, a wrong translation, or anything that doesn't look right? We'd love to fix it — just let us know via the contact page. Thank you!

More Polish idioms

  • Literally "one's whole life flew past before the eyes," this phrase describes the vivid, involuntary …
    Intermediate
  • Literally "for an example," na przykład is the standard Polish phrase for "for example" or "for …
    Beginner
  • Literally "in the last/recent times," ostatnimi czasy is a common temporal phrase meaning "lately," …
    Beginner
  • Literally "in the manner of Judas," this adverb describes acting in a treacherous, backstabbing way …
    Intermediate