• Listen

  What it means

  Literally: “What came easily, went easily.” Things gained with little effort, such as money, luck, or skills, can be lost just as easily. People say it when someone wastes a windfall, loses something they did not earn, or quickly spends money they quickly made. The tone can be calm and accepting, or mildly critical.

  English equivalent

  Easy come, easy go.

  Vocabulary

  • łatwo — easily (adverb)
  • przyszło — came or arrived (neuter past form of 'przyjść', used without a stated subject)
  • poszło — went or disappeared (neuter past form of 'pójść', used without a stated subject)

  Grammar note

  Both verbs are neuter singular past forms, a common Polish impersonal pattern when no subject is named. In English, the sense is close to "it came" and "it went." Repeating 'łatwo' gives the saying its simple, balanced rhythm.

  Cultural context

  This neutral proverb is known across Poland. People often use it about money and possessions, but it can also refer to short-lived relationships, unused skills, or luck that was not put to good use. Its gentle lesson is to value what you worked for.

  Beginner

Noticed a typo, a wrong translation, or anything that doesn't look right? We'd love to fix it — just let us know via the contact page. Thank you!