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    What it means

    Literally “jokes to the side.” This phrase is used to signal a transition in conversation from a lighthearted, humorous tone to a serious or urgent one. It is a way of saying, “Okay, we’ve had our fun, now let’s focus on the matter at hand.”

    Vocabulary

    • żarty — jokes
    • bok — side
    • poważnie — seriously

    Grammar note

    This is a fixed elliptical expression where the verb (like 'odłożyć' - to put away) is omitted but understood. 'Żarty' is the nominative plural of 'żart'.

    Cultural context

    This is a very useful "transition" phrase for language learners to master. It helps you control the flow of a conversation and ensures people take you seriously when the topic shifts.

    Beginner

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