Być w Rzymie i nie widzieć papieża.
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What it means
“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 what is right in front of them.
English equivalent
To be in Rome and not see the Pope.
Vocabulary
- Rzym — Rome
- papież — Pope
- widzieć — to see
Grammar note
Infinitive construction: 'być … i nie widzieć …' — 'to be … and not to see …'. 'W Rzymie' — locative of 'Rzym'.
Cultural context
Poland's deep Catholic identity makes the Pope a figure of supreme importance, heightening the absurdity of missing him while in Rome.
Beginner
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