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  What it means

  Literally “not to wrap [something] in cotton wool.” This is a very popular idiom meaning to speak the plain, unvarnished truth without trying to soften the blow or use euphemisms. It’s about being direct and honest, even if it’s unpleasant.

  Vocabulary

  • owijać — to wrap / wind
  • bawełna — cotton
  • bezpośredni — direct

  Grammar note

  'Bawełnę' is the accusative singular. The phrase is almost always used in the negative ('nie owijać').

  Cultural context

  Just as cotton wool protects something fragile, "wrapping words in cotton" means being too delicate with the truth. Poles generally appreciate someone who doesn't "owija w bawełnę."

  Intermediate

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