W cztery oczy
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What it means
Literally “in four eyes.” This describes a conversation between exactly two people. Since each person has two eyes, four eyes together signify a private, face-to-face meeting without any witnesses or third parties present.
Vocabulary
- oczy — eyes
- prywatnie — privately
Grammar note
This is a numerical phrase. Even though 'oczy' is plural, the prepositional phrase 'w cztery oczy' functions as an adverbial.
Cultural context
If a Pole says, "Musimy porozmawiać w cztery oczy," expect a serious or confidential conversation. It is a standard phrase in business and personal life.
Beginner
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