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  What it means

  Literally “from Annas to Caiaphas,” this idiom describes being sent from one official, office, or person to another without resolution — the classic bureaucratic runaround. Both Annas and Caiaphas were Jewish high priests in the New Testament; after his arrest, Jesus was passed from Annas to Caiaphas and then to Pilate without anyone taking responsibility. Today the phrase captures any situation where you are endlessly redirected and no one helps you.

  Vocabulary

  • od — from (preposition governing the genitive)
  • Annasza — Annas (genitive of Annas — biblical high priest)
  • do — to (preposition governing the genitive)
  • Kajfasza — Caiaphas (genitive of Kajfasz — biblical high priest)

  Grammar note

  Both od and do govern the genitive case: Annas → Annasza, Kajfasz → Kajfasza. The idiom is used as a predicate or adverbial phrase: Gonią mnie od Annasza do Kajfasza (They keep sending me from one place to another). It is invariable — the proper nouns do not change with person or tense.

  Cultural context

  This is a culturally rich idiom rooted in Poland's historically strong Catholic tradition; the biblical reference is immediately understood by most Polish speakers. It is used to criticize bureaucracy, inefficient administration, or anyone who passes problems along without solving them. It appears in newspapers, political commentary, and everyday speech. Register: neutral to slightly elevated.

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