Licho nie śpi
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What it means
“The devil doesn’t sleep.” Evil, mischief, or bad luck is always lurking and never rests. Used as a warning to stay vigilant, as trouble can strike at any moment.
English equivalent
The devil never sleeps.
Vocabulary
- licho — the devil, evil spirit, mischief
- spać — to sleep
Grammar note
'Nie śpi' is the third-person singular present tense negation of 'spać' (to sleep).
Cultural context
'Licho' is a folk figure of evil or misfortune in Slavic tradition, less formal than 'diabeł' (devil).
Beginner
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