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  What it means

  Literally “to stand like an oak.” While it sounds like it might mean being sturdy, it actually refers to a horse rearing up on its hind legs. Figuratively, it means to suddenly stop in shock, to react with stubborn opposition, or for one’s hair to “stand on end” from fear.

  Vocabulary

  • dąb — oak (tree)
  • koń — horse
  • przerażenie — terror / horror

  Grammar note

  The word 'dęba' is a fossilized genitive form used adverbially to describe the manner of standing. It is part of a fixed phrase and doesn't change.

  Cultural context

  You might say "Włosy stanęły mi dęba" to mean "My hair stood on end" when you were terrified.

  Intermediate

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