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  What it means

  Literally, this means “to have oil in one’s head.” Figuratively, it describes someone who is sensible, practical, and thinks clearly. It suggests good judgment and common sense rather than intelligence in an academic sense. Poles often use it when praising someone’s decisions or criticizing someone for lacking it.

  Vocabulary

  • olej — oil
  • głowa — head
  • w — in
  • mieć — to have

  Grammar note

  The phrase "w głowie" is in the locative case, required by the preposition "w" (in). "Głowie" is the locative singular form of "głowa." The structure "mieć + noun + w + locative" is common in idiomatic expressions.

  Cultural context

  This is an informal but very common expression. It roughly corresponds to English phrases like "to have a good head on one's shoulders." It is often used in everyday conversation, especially when talking about practical decisions.

  Beginner

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