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  What it means

  Literally “to pass each other with the truth,” this is a polite or euphemistic way of saying someone is lying or being inaccurate. Instead of accusing someone of being a liar (kłamca), you suggest their statements and the actual truth are moving in different directions. It is commonly used in professional, political, or formal contexts to point out a falsehood without being overly aggressive.

  Vocabulary

  • mijać się — to pass each other
  • prawda — truth
  • kłamstwo — lie
  • rzadko — rarely

  Grammar note

  The reflexive verb 'mijać się' implies a reciprocal action between two things. It requires the preposition 'z' followed by the instrumental case, which is why 'prawda' becomes 'prawdą.'

  Cultural context

  This is the direct equivalent of the English "to be economical with the truth." It is a staple of Polish TV news and parliamentary debates where speakers want to maintain a level of decorum while calling out a lie.

  Beginner

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