Świecić oczami
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What it means
Literally “to shine with one’s eyes.” This idiom means to feel deeply embarrassed or ashamed on behalf of someone else. If you have to “świecić oczami” for a child, a spouse, or a colleague, it means you are the one standing there blushing and apologizing for their bad behavior or mistakes.
Vocabulary
- świecić — to shine / glow / beam
- oczy — eyes
- wstyd — shame / embarrassment
Grammar note
'Oczami' is the instrumental plural of 'oko'. In Polish, body parts used to perform an action (like "shining with eyes") are put in the instrumental case.
Cultural context
This is a very emotional idiom. It describes the specific discomfort of being held responsible for a situation you didn't personally cause.
Intermediate
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