Kto daje i odbiera, ten się w piekle poniewiera
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What it means
“He who gives and takes back wallows in hell.” Taking back a gift is considered deeply shameful — worse than never giving at all.
English equivalent
Indian giver.
Vocabulary
- dawać — to give
- odbierać — to take back, to reclaim
- piekło — hell
- poniewierać się — to wallow, to be tossed about miserably
Grammar note
'Ten się poniewiera' — 'ten' is a demonstrative pronoun referring back to 'kto'. 'W piekle' is locative of 'piekło'.
Cultural context
One of the most commonly quoted Polish proverbs, often said by children when someone takes back a gift or favour.
Beginner
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