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  What it means

  Literally “One won’t get far by lying.” The proverb teaches that deception may offer short-term gains but will ultimately fail as a life strategy. Poles use it as a moral reminder, often to children or in situations where someone has been caught in a lie, that honesty is the only sustainable path. It implies that the liar will eventually be exposed and suffer the consequences.

  English equivalent

  Honesty is the best policy.

  Vocabulary

  • kłamstwem — by lying, with a lie (instrumental of kłamstwo)
  • daleko — far (adverb)
  • się nie zajdzie — one won't get (impersonal construction with zajść, perfective of zachodzić)

  Grammar note

  The instrumental case on kłamstwem expresses means or manner, 'by means of lying.' The impersonal reflexive construction się nie zajdzie (one will not get far) uses się to create an agentless statement, making the proverb universally applicable. Zajść is a perfective verb, emphasizing the endpoint of the journey not reached.

  Cultural context

  This proverb belongs to the broad Polish tradition of moral proverbs with a practical, pragmatic flavor, the emphasis is less on the sinfulness of lying than on its simple ineffectiveness. It is used across all registers and generations. The word kłamstwo is clearly neutral, making this a good, clean example of a moral proverb learners can cite without any social risk.

  Beginner

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