Każdy sobie rzepkę skrobie
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What it means
“Everyone scrapes their own turnip.” Everyone looks after their own interests and doesn’t worry about others. Often said with a slightly critical tone about selfishness or indifference.
English equivalent
Every man for himself.
Vocabulary
- rzepka — little turnip (diminutive of rzepa)
- skrobać — to scrape, to peel
- sobie — for oneself (dative reflexive)
Grammar note
'Sobie' is the dative of the reflexive pronoun, indicating the action is done for one's own benefit.
Cultural context
The turnip was a staple food in old Polish peasant culture, making this a very earthy, domestic image.
Beginner
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