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  What it means

  Literally “to dip one’s fingers.” This idiom means to be involved in something, usually something suspicious, illegal, or secretive. It suggests that the person played a role in the outcome, even if they weren’t the main actor or were trying to hide their involvement.

  Vocabulary

  • maczać — to dip / soak
  • palec — finger
  • udział — participation / involvement

  Grammar note

  'Palce' is the accusative plural of 'palec'. Note that 'maczać' is an imperfective verb, focusing on the ongoing or habitual nature of the involvement.

  Cultural context

  The expression often has a negative connotation. You wouldn't usually use it for helping a charity, but you would use it for someone involved in a corporate scandal or a neighborhood prank.

  Intermediate

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