Polish Proverbs Explained — D (50)
All Polish proverbs (przysłowia) starting with the letter D — explanations, vocabulary, and cultural context for learners.
- Give a hen a perch and she'll want to sit higher. Used to describe people who, given an inch, take a mile — always wanting more than they've been given.
- Leave the dog alone and the dog will give you two (in return). Meaning: if you don't bother someone, they won't bother you — and peace is its own reward.
- God gave the child, He will also provide for the child. An expression of faith that the means to raise a child will come along with the child itself.
- The Lord God gave teeth, He will give bread too. Means that if you have been given the capacity to eat, you will also be given something to eat — trust that …
- Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. One should not find fault with something received as a gift.
- Rain on Saint Margaret's Day (July 20) is bad for the nut harvest. A folk weather proverb linking the saint's feast day to agricultural predictions.
- Rain on Saint Blaise's Day (February 3) means little hope for spring. A folk calendar proverb predicting a late or poor spring based on February weather.
- Frequent rains in April foretell an abundant fruit harvest. A folk agricultural proverb about spring rainfall and its effect on crops.
- Rains around Saint Michael's Day (September 29) promise healthy air in winter. A folk proverb linking autumn rainfall to winter health conditions.
- Rain on the first or second of July foretells forty days of rain. A folk weather proverb predicting a prolonged rainy period based on early July conditions.
- The devil never sleeps. A warning to stay vigilant, as evil or misfortune is always lurking and ready to take advantage of any lapse in attention.
- The devil dressed in vestments and rings the bell for mass with his tail. Describes a hypocrite who puts on a pious or respectable appearance while their true …
- The devil is in the details. Small, overlooked details can cause big problems — careful attention to particulars is essential.
- For one who wants, nothing is difficult. Where there's a will, there's a way — determination makes any task achievable.
- He wants to be a priest for the bread, not for heaven. Said of someone who pursues a vocation or noble calling purely for material gain rather than genuine …
- Two roosters on one dunghill is one too many. Two dominant personalities or rivals cannot comfortably share the same space or position of authority.
- Every mother finds her children dear. A mother's love is unconditional — she will always cherish her children regardless of their faults.
- Too much for the cat, too little for the dog. Describes a situation where a portion or solution satisfies nobody — it's either too much or too little depending …
- For the sake of company, the Gypsy let himself be hanged. Said of someone who goes along with others into a foolish or dangerous situation simply to not be left …
- To God when there is fear. People turn to God (or religion) in times of danger or distress — equivalent to "there are no atheists in foxholes".
- However many frosts there are before St. Michael's Day (29 September), there will be just as many in May. A folk weather proverb linking autumn frosts to spring …
- Go to father for a penny, go to mother for a shirt. Each parent has their own role: the father handles money, the mother handles clothing and domestic care.
- Pray to God, but don't offend the devil. A pragmatic folk saying advising caution: honour what is good, but don't needlessly provoke what is dangerous.
- By St. Catherine's Day (25 November) it is time to put on new shoes. A seasonal proverb marking the onset of winter and the need for sturdier footwear.
- Visit your sister every six years, your brother every three. A humorous proverb suggesting that family visits — especially to in-laws — need not be too …
- The third time is the charm. If something has failed twice, try once more — success comes on the third attempt.
- A widow is fine too, as long as she is young and healthy. A pragmatic proverb about remarriage, suggesting that a widow's youth and health matter more than her …
- Even a fly is good for a dog. When one is hungry or desperate, even the smallest or most undesirable thing is welcome.
- A fly is good for a dog when it is hungry. Hunger makes even the most unappetising thing acceptable.
- A fly is good for a dog when there is no bread. In times of scarcity, one accepts whatever is available.
- A fly is good for a dog when it flies into its belly by itself. The most humorous variant: even an accidental mouthful counts when you are starving.
- A fly does for a dog, a turnip does for a peasant. Each creature makes do with what it has; humble food is still food.
- Father's advice is good advice. A proverb affirming the value of parental — specifically paternal — wisdom and guidance.
- A good wife is a crown to her husband. A proverb praising the value of a virtuous wife, who brings honour and dignity to her husband.
- A good wife prides herself on cooking what her husband likes. A traditional proverb linking a wife's virtue to her culinary attentiveness to her husband's …
- A well-matched marriage is paradise on earth. A proverb celebrating the happiness that comes from a compatible, harmonious union.
- From a good nest comes good offspring. Children reflect the quality of their upbringing and family background.
- God never forgets a good son. A proverb of religious consolation: virtue and filial piety are noticed and rewarded by God.
- Bread is good when you have no cake. Plain things become precious when better alternatives are unavailable.
- Good bread with salt, as long as it comes with goodwill. Simple food shared with a willing heart is worth more than a lavish feast given grudgingly.
- A good joke is worth a tynf. A witty remark or clever jest has real value — it is worth paying for.
- A good custom — don't borrow it (keep it for yourself). Good habits and traditions should be maintained and not given away or abandoned.
- Good intentions alone are not enough — without action or good judgment, even well-meaning efforts can lead to bad outcomes.
- Patience is rewarded — what is long delayed will eventually come. Even if something takes time, it will happen in the end.
- You can push your luck only so far — eventually something will break. Used to warn against repeatedly taking risks.
- You only have one mother — her love and care are irreplaceable. A reminder to cherish and respect one's mother.
- Children should be seen and not heard — they have no say in adult matters. Often used humorously to silence children.
- Used to say that today is a bad day for something — nothing is going right. A humorous complaint about bad luck or poor results.
- Today's celebration brings tomorrow's regret. A warning that excess or indulgence is followed by consequences.
- A list of things that are unwelcome or out of place: a hole in a sack, a guest in the pantry, sand in flour, water in a meadow, weeds in rye, anger in a monk's …