Na bezrybiu i rak ryba
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What it means
“When there are no fish, even a crayfish counts as a fish.” When you can’t get what you really want, you make do with whatever is available. Beggars can’t be choosers.
English equivalent
Beggars can't be choosers. / Half a loaf is better than none.
Vocabulary
- bezrybie — lack of fish, fishless waters
- rak — crayfish, crab
- ryba — fish
Grammar note
'Na bezrybiu' uses the locative of 'bezrybie' after 'na'. 'Rak ryba' is a nominal predicate with the verb 'jest' omitted.
Cultural context
Crayfish were historically plentiful in Polish rivers and eaten as a cheaper substitute for fish, especially during Lent.
Beginner
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