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  What it means

  Literally “to live like a dog with a cat.” It describes a relationship between two people who are in a state of constant conflict, bickering, or mutual hostility. It is most often used to describe siblings, couples, or roommates who simply cannot find peace together.

  Vocabulary

  • pies — dog
  • kot — cat
  • kłócić się — to argue / bicker

  Grammar note

  The preposition 'z' (with) requires the instrumental case, turning 'kot' into 'kotem'. The structure 'jak [noun] z [noun-instrumental]' is a standard way to form comparisons in Polish.

  Cultural context

  This idiom relies on the classic trope of natural animosity between the two animals. It is neutral in register and can be used in almost any social situation.

  Beginner

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