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  What it means

  Literally “not everything that glitters is gold,” this proverb-like idiom warns against being dazzled by appearances. It cautions that outward attractiveness, glamour, or impressive presentation does not guarantee real worth or quality. Poles use it to advise caution before making judgements based purely on looks or surface impressions, whether about people, products, or situations.

  Vocabulary

  • złoto — gold
  • świecić się — to shine, to glitter (reflexive imperfective)
  • co — that which, what (relative pronoun here)
  • nie wszystko — not everything

  Grammar note

  The relative clause 'co się świeci' (that which glitters) uses 'co' as a relative pronoun with a reflexive verb 'świecić się'. The predicate 'jest złotem' (is gold) is implied but dropped in colloquial usage, leaving the elliptic 'nie wszystko złoto' as the main clause. This kind of nominative predicate without a copula is common in Polish proverbs.

  Cultural context

  This is the exact Polish equivalent of Shakespeare's 'All that glitters is not gold' (The Merchant of Venice). It is widely known, quoted across generations, and used in both everyday conversation and formal writing. Its literary origin gives it a slightly elevated, wise register. Poles may use it both literally and ironically.

  Intermediate

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