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  What it means

  Literally, it means “to miss the truth” or “to pass by the truth.” Figuratively, it is a polite or indirect way of saying that someone is not telling the truth or is distorting facts. It softens the accusation compared to directly saying someone is lying. Poles use this phrase especially in formal contexts, media, or polite disagreement.

  Vocabulary

  • minąć się — to miss / to pass by (perfective reflexive)
  • prawda — truth
  • z — with
  • prawdą — truth (instrumental form)

  Grammar note

  The verb "minąć się" is reflexive and perfective, indicating a completed action. The preposition "z" requires the instrumental case, hence "prawdą." The structure suggests metaphorically "passing by" the truth instead of aligning with it.

  Cultural context

  This is a diplomatic and often strategic expression. It is widely used in journalism and politics to imply dishonesty without using the direct verb "kłamać" (to lie). It helps maintain a more formal or polite tone.

  Intermediate

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