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  What it means

  Literally: “A steady June makes a perfect December.” It is a weather and farming proverb. If June is settled and kind, not too wet or cold, winter stores should be good by December. It shows how closely farmers watched the seasons. It can also mean that a good start helps bring a good finish.

  English equivalent

  A good summer brings a good winter.

  Vocabulary

  • czerwiec — June
  • stały — steady, stable, consistent
  • grudzień — December
  • doskonały — perfect, excellent

  Grammar note

  The proverb is an elliptical noun phrase with no verb. It has two adjective-noun pairs: 'stały czerwiec [gives] doskonały grudzień.' Both 'stały' and 'doskonały' are masculine nominative adjectives that agree with their nouns.

  Cultural context

  Poland has many weather proverbs from rural life, when harvests shaped the winter ahead. This kind of saying is called a 'przysłowie meteorologiczne,' or weather proverb. Fewer people farm today, but these sayings are still quoted and enjoyed for their folk feel.

  Beginner

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