I Herkules dupa, kiedy ludzi kupa.
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What it means
“Even Hercules is helpless when there’s a crowd against him.” No matter how strong or capable a person is, they cannot overcome a large group. Numbers beat individual strength.
English equivalent
Even Hercules cannot contend against two.
Vocabulary
- Herkules — Hercules
- dupa — ass, useless (vulgar; here means 'is helpless/worthless')
- kupa — heap, crowd (colloquial); also 'pile' (vulgar)
Grammar note
A nominal sentence. The rhyme 'dupa / kupa' is intentionally crude and humorous. 'Kiedy' here means 'when/if'.
Cultural context
The deliberate vulgarity of the rhyme is part of its folk humour. The message is serious; the delivery is earthy.
Intermediate
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