Dobry chleb z solą, byle z dobrą wolą
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What it means
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.
English equivalent
Better a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
Vocabulary
- chleb — bread
- sól — salt
- byle — as long as, provided that
- wola — will, goodwill
Grammar note
'Z solą' and 'z dobrą wolą' — instrumental after 'z' (with). 'Byle' introduces a condition.
Cultural context
Bread and salt are the traditional Polish symbols of hospitality. This proverb elevates the spirit of giving over material abundance.
Beginner
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