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  What it means

  Literally “to take the full responsibility,” this phrase means “to take full/complete responsibility” for something — typically a mistake, failure, or difficult outcome. It is used in formal and public contexts when someone steps forward to acknowledge their role in a problem, often as a gesture of accountability or leadership. It implies no blame-shifting and signals a willingness to face consequences.

  Vocabulary

  • wziąć — to take (perfective)
  • cały — whole, entire, full (here in accusative: całą)
  • odpowiedzialność — responsibility (accusative: odpowiedzialność)

  Grammar note

  The verb 'wziąć' (perfective) governs the direct object in the accusative: 'całą odpowiedzialność.' 'Cały' is a determiner agreeing with 'odpowiedzialność' (feminine accusative singular), adding emphasis that no part of the responsibility is being deflected. The perfective aspect marks this as a decisive, completed act of assuming responsibility.

  Cultural context

  This phrase belongs primarily to formal and public registers — politics, business, institutional communication, and official apologies. In Polish public life it is a standard formula used by ministers, executives, or public figures after a failure. It parallels the English 'I take full responsibility.' In casual speech, lighter phrases like 'to moja wina' (it's my fault) are preferred.

  Intermediate

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