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  What it means

  Literally “to take in the paw,” this is a common, derogatory slang term for taking a bribe. By using the word ‘łapa’ (animal paw) instead of ‘ręka’ (human hand), the expression dehumanizes the act and suggests greed or corruption. It is used in hushed tones when discussing shady officials, corrupt police, or dishonest businessmen.

  Vocabulary

  • wziąć — to take
  • łapa — paw
  • łapówka — bribe
  • korupcja — corruption

  Grammar note

  'W łapę' is the accusative case after the preposition 'w,' indicating the destination of the money. Note that the noun for bribe itself, 'łapówka,' is directly derived from this idiom.

  Cultural context

  While corruption is treated very seriously in modern Poland, this phrase remains a staple of social commentary regarding the "bad old days" or current scandals. It is definitely not a neutral term.

  Intermediate

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