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  What it means

  Literally “a spoonful of tar.” This refers to a small, negative detail or a single unpleasant event that ruins an otherwise perfect situation. Tar (dziegieć) has a very strong, bitter taste and smell, so even a tiny amount can spoil a large quantity of something sweet or useful. It is used when a good day or a great deal is marred by one bad thing.

  Vocabulary

  • łyżka — spoon / spoonful
  • dziegieć — birch tar (historically used in medicine/industry)
  • psuć — to spoil / break

  Grammar note

  The word 'dziegciu' is the genitive form of 'dziegieć'. Note the "e" mobile (e-ruchome) where the 'e' disappears when the noun is declined.

  Cultural context

  Birch tar was common in old Slavic households for its antiseptic properties, but its pervasive and unpleasant flavor made it the perfect metaphor for something that "contaminates" a positive experience.

  Intermediate

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