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  What it means

  Literally: “Crooked work does not pay.” The word ‘krzywa’ (crooked, skewed) refers to work done dishonestly, carelessly, or through shortcuts. The proverb warns that cutting corners or being dishonest in one’s work ultimately brings no reward — and may even lead to loss. Poles invoke it to encourage thoroughness and integrity in one’s efforts, whether in a professional or domestic context.

  English equivalent

  Cheaters never prosper.

  Vocabulary

  • krzywa — crooked, skewed, dishonest (adjective, feminine nominative)
  • praca — work, labour (feminine noun, nominative)
  • nie opłaca — does not pay off (negated form of opłacać się)

  Grammar note

  The verb 'opłaca' is the third-person singular present of 'opłacać (się)', meaning 'to pay off' or 'to be worth it'. The reflexive particle 'się' is often dropped in proverb form for rhythmic brevity. 'Krzywa' agrees with 'praca' in gender (feminine) and case (nominative), as the subject of the sentence.

  Cultural context

  This short, rhyming proverb has the quality of a folk maxim — easy to remember and direct in its moral. It reflects the Polish cultural value placed on honest, diligent labour ('rzetelna praca'). The rhyme between 'praca' and 'opłaca' makes it memorable and gives it the feel of a timeless truth rather than a mere piece of advice.

  Beginner

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