Polish Proverbs Explained — B (46)
All Polish proverbs (przysłowia) starting with the letter B — explanations, vocabulary, and cultural context for learners.
- "The woman talks about the awl, the old man about soap." Each person sticks to their own concern, so they talk past one another instead of having a real …
- Literally "The woman does her thing, the man does his thing." It describes a couple or group where each person follows their own plan without agreement. People …
- "The woman does her thing, the devil does his." Even the devil cannot make her give in. It is said about someone who keeps arguing or doing things their way, …
- "The woman does her thing, the old man does his." Neither side gives way. It describes two stubborn people going in circles, each repeating their view without …
- "The woman off the cart, the horses feel lighter." When a troublesome or burdensome person leaves, everyone else is relieved. One of the most well-known Polish …
- "Lullaby, lullaby, you'll be in paradise." It means sweet promises that will not come true. It is used ironically about someone offering comfort or empty …
- "Barbara on water, Christmas on ice." If it rains on Saint Barbara's Day (December 4), Christmas will be frosty and icy. One of many Polish calendar proverbs …
- "Saint Barbara remembers the miners." Saint Barbara, whose day is December 4, is the patron saint of Polish miners. The proverb points to Barbórka, the miners' …
- "Bartholomew foretells what autumn will follow." The weather on Saint Bartholomew's Day (August 24) is said to predict the coming autumn. Part of the Polish …
- "The drum is loud because it is empty." Boastful people can be loud because they have little to say. It is a direct put-down for braggarts and loudmouths.
- "Whether you are from Lithuania or Kyiv, if you have money in your purse, Warsaw will take you in." Money opens doors whatever your background. The saying says …
- "He will make a priest about as well as the devil makes a church sexton." He is plainly unsuited to the role. The image is as absurd as putting the devil in …
- Literally "Without curiosity there is no wisdom." Wisdom grows from wanting to ask questions, explore, and understand, not only from collecting facts. Someone …
- "Without a pot, the cook cannot make soup." You cannot do a job without the right tools. Even a skilled person cannot work well without the basic things needed …
- "Without kołacze, there is no wedding." A celebration needs its proper food and festivity. More broadly, an occasion is not complete without the things that …
- Literally: "Without people, even paradise becomes boring." The proverb says that company matters so much that even a perfect place loses its charm without it. …
- "Without work there are no kołacze." This well-known Polish proverb says that rewards, comfort, and success come through effort. There are no shortcuts.
- "Without work there is no matzo." This rhyming version of 'bez pracy nie ma kołaczy' replaces 'kołacze' with 'maca' (matzo). It has the same meaning: effort …
- Literally "Without work there is no pay." This famous Polish proverb says that you receive what you earn through effort. No work means no reward and no …
- "Without work it is hard to attain honour." Respect and recognition have to be earned through effort. Honour without hard work is difficult, if not impossible, …
- "Without effort there is no honey." You have to work for the sweet things in life. Like a beekeeper who must tend the hive, anyone who wants a reward must first …
- "Poverty with children, poverty without children too." Having children brings hardship, but not having them can bring hardship too. Life is difficult either …
- "Poor is the wife who has a drunkard." It says that a wife with a drunken husband deserves pity. The proverb points to the harm alcoholism can cause in family …
- Literally "For the poor man, the wind is always in his eyes." It means that trouble often seems to hit people who are already struggling. Wind blowing into …
- "The apple falls close to its own apple tree." Children resemble their parents in character and behaviour. Like fruit that doesn't roll far from the tree it …
- Literally: "The shirt is closer to the body." The proverb means that your own interests and the people closest to you, such as family and friends, come before …
- Literally: "The shirt is closer to the body than the coat." This longer form of "Bliższa koszula ciału" adds a kaftan, an outer garment, to make the comparison …
- "The shirt is closer to the body than the peasant coat." This regional version uses 'sukmana', the traditional long woollen coat worn by Polish peasants.
- "Blessed are the mothers who punish their children for wrongdoing." Mothers who discipline their children are doing them a favour. Firm correction is an act of …
- Literally: "God gives nothing without work." The proverb says that even divine help calls for human effort. Blessings are not given to people who do nothing. It …
- "God gave, God took." Said when someone dies or when something precious is lost. An expression of resignation and acceptance of God's will.
- "God gave the child, He will provide for the child." Trust that the means to raise a child will come. A reassurance to parents anxious about the cost of having …
- Literally: "God will not abandon whoever relies on Him." The proverb expresses faith that God protects and supports those who trust Him. It is said to comfort …
- Literally: "God helps those who help themselves." The proverb joins faith with personal effort. It says that divine help comes to people who first try to help …
- "God on the tongue, but the devil in the heart." Said of hypocrites who speak piously but act wickedly. Fine words mean nothing if one's intentions are corrupt. …
- "Even on the gallows the devils won't take the rich man, but for the poor man any old rope spells the end." The rich escape even the worst fates, while the poor …
- "The devil rocks the rich man's children." The wealthy seem to have everything done for them, even by the devil. It comments bitterly on how good fortune …
- "For the rich man, even a bull will calve." Lucky and wealthy people seem to defy nature itself, as if impossible things happen in their favour. Fortune appears …
- "Bow to God, but do not anger the devil." Be devout, but also be careful and do not needlessly provoke dangerous forces. It is folk advice about protecting …
- Literally "Serve God, but do not anger the devil." The proverb advises being good while staying on good terms with people who have power or might cause harm. It …
- "A candle for God, a stub for the devil." It means trying to please everyone or to hedge between good and evil. It is said about someone who plays both sides …
- "Fear spring in January, for March is jealous." If January is unusually warm and spring-like, March will answer with cold weather. This weather proverb warns …
- "Christmas in water, Easter on ice." If Christmas is mild and rainy, Easter will be cold and frosty. This traditional weather proverb links the conditions of …
- "A beard does not make a wise man." Appearance, even an appearance linked with age and wisdom, is no proof of intelligence or learning. Do not judge by looks.
- "To be in Rome and not see the Pope." To miss the most obvious or important thing when you are in the perfect position to see it. Said of someone who overlooks …
- "There were two wise brothers, and the third was married." The saying jokingly links marriage with losing wisdom or freedom. It is a playful jab at married men, …