• Listen

  What it means

  Literally: “What came easily, went easily.” Things gained with little effort, such as easy money, a lucky windfall, or an unearned chance, often disappear just as fast. It warns against trusting luck alone and reminds us that hard-earned things are easier to keep. People use it about wasted money, lost chances, and quick gains that do not last.

  English equivalent

  Easy come, easy go.

  Vocabulary

  • lekko — lightly, easily (adverb)
  • przyszło — it came (neuter past form of 'przyjść')
  • poszło — it went (neuter past form of 'pójść')

  Grammar note

  Both verbs are neuter singular past forms, the usual impersonal form when Polish does not name a subject. 'Przyszło' and 'poszło' are perfective, so they present the coming and going as finished events. Repeating 'lekko' gives the proverb its neat rhythm.

  Cultural context

  People of all ages use this common proverb, often after someone loses money, fails to keep a prize, or wastes a chance. It sounds more thoughtful than harsh. The English saying "easy come, easy go" is a close match.

  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!