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  What it means

  Literally “with the stubbornness of a maniac,” this expression describes doing something with extreme, almost obsessive persistence or single-mindedness. It emphasizes that the person keeps at it relentlessly, regardless of obstacles or the opinions of others — like someone fixated to the point of irrationality. Poles use it both critically (when someone is being unreasonably stubborn) and admiringly (when someone’s tenacity pays off).

  Vocabulary

  • uporem — stubbornness, obstinacy (instrumental of upór)
  • maniaka — of a maniac (genitive of maniak)
  • upór — stubbornness, persistence, obstinacy

  Grammar note

  'Z uporem' uses the preposition 'z' with the instrumental case of 'upór.' 'Maniaka' is the genitive singular of 'maniak' (masculine noun), used here as a genitive of description modifying 'uporem.' The whole phrase is adverbial and typically modifies a verb: 'powtarzał z uporem maniaka' = 'he repeated it with a maniac's stubbornness.'

  Cultural context

  The phrase is common in both spoken and written Polish, including journalism. It often carries a slightly ironic or exaggerated tone. In English, equivalents include 'with dogged determination,' 'like a broken record,' or 'with the persistence of a bulldog.' Can be used approvingly or disapprovingly depending on context.

  Intermediate

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