Bogu świeczka, a diabłu ogarek.
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What it means
“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 and gives something to each.
English equivalent
To run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.
Vocabulary
- świeczka — candle
- diabeł — devil
- ogarek — candle stub, burnt-down candle end
Grammar note
'Bogu' and 'diabłu' are both datives. The contrast between 'świeczka' (a proper candle) and 'ogarek' (a mere stub) implies the devil gets the lesser offering.
Cultural context
Candles were central to Catholic worship; giving a stub to the devil rather than a full candle suggests insincere or token appeasement.
Intermediate
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