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  What it means

  Literally “the line of least resistance,” this idiom describes the tendency to choose the easiest path, avoid difficulty, or take shortcuts instead of tackling a problem head-on. It is used critically when someone opts for convenience over effectiveness or principle. A manager who avoids a hard conversation by ignoring the problem is “idący po linii najmniejszego oporu” — taking the path of least resistance. The phrase comes from physics but is used almost exclusively in a figurative, often mildly critical sense.

  Vocabulary

  • linia — line
  • najmniejszego — of the least/smallest (superlative genitive of 'mały' — small)
  • oporu — of resistance (genitive of 'opór' — resistance, opposition)
  • opór — resistance, opposition

  Grammar note

  The phrase is a noun phrase in the nominative case. When used as part of a verb construction — 'iść po linii najmniejszego oporu' (to go along the line of least resistance) — the preposition 'po' takes the locative case: 'linii.' 'Najmniejszego oporu' is a genitive attribute modifying 'linii,' with 'najmniejszego' being the superlative genitive of the adjective 'mały' (small/least).

  Cultural context

  This is a formal to semi-formal expression, common in journalistic and political commentary to criticize governments, institutions, or individuals for choosing expediency over principle. It is rarely used in casual conversation — its register is too elevated. The English equivalent 'path/line of least resistance' translates almost word for word. The phrase carries no regional flavor and is standard across Poland.

  Intermediate

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