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  What it means

  Literally, this means “to have something on a tree stump.” Figuratively, it refers to being in conflict, disagreement, or trouble with someone. It suggests an ongoing tension rather than a single argument. Poles use this phrase in informal contexts when talking about strained relationships.

  Vocabulary

  • pień — tree trunk
  • pieńku — tree trunk (locative/dative form)
  • na — true
  • mieć — to have

  Grammar note

  "Na pieńku" uses the locative case ("pieńku") after the preposition "na." The phrase is typically used with "z kimś" (with someone, instrumental case), e.g., "mieć na pieńku z sąsiadem." This structure marks the person involved in the conflict.

  Cultural context

  This is an informal, somewhat vivid expression. It does not have a direct literal equivalent in English but is similar to "to be at odds with someone." It is commonly used in everyday speech.

  Intermediate

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