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  What it means

  Literally “a beret’s throw.” This uniquely Polish idiom is used to describe a very short distance. If something is “rzut beretem” away, you could practically reach it by tossing your hat. It is the go-to phrase for locals when giving directions to a nearby shop or landmark.

  Vocabulary

  • rzut — a throw / toss
  • beret — beret
  • blisko — close / near

  Grammar note

  'Beretem' is the instrumental form of 'beret'. The phrase acts as a measure of distance.

  Cultural context

  The beret was a very common head covering in 20th-century Poland. Even though they are less common now, the idiom remains one of the most frequently used "distance markers" in the language.

  Beginner

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