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  What it means

  “Better a woodpecker in hand than an eagle on a branch.” This version of the bird-in-the-hand proverb says that something modest you already have is worth more than something grander you cannot reach.

  English equivalent

  A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

  Vocabulary

  • dzięcioł — woodpecker
  • ręka — hand
  • orzeł — eagle
  • sęk — knot in wood, branch stub

  Grammar note

  'W ręku' is the locative of 'ręka'. 'Na sęku' is the locative of 'sęk'.

  Cultural context

  The eagle is Poland's national symbol. This makes the contrast between a small woodpecker and a proud eagle especially clear.

  Intermediate

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