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  What it means

  Literally “sausage is not for a dog.” The proverb means that something desirable or high-quality is beyond the reach of a particular person — they are not entitled to it or simply cannot afford it. It is used bluntly to put someone in their place when they aspire to something above their station, or as a self-deprecating comment about one’s own modest means. The tone is often sardonic or darkly humorous.

  English equivalent

  That's not for the likes of us.

  Vocabulary

  • nie — not
  • dla — for (preposition governing genitive)
  • psa — dog (genitive singular of pies)
  • kiełbasa — sausage (nominative singular; specifically Polish-style cured sausage)

  Grammar note

  The preposition dla (for) always takes the genitive case, hence psa rather than the nominative pies. The proverb uses a zero-copula construction — the verb jest (is) is omitted — which is standard in Polish present-tense statements of general truth. Kiełbasa is the nominative subject.

  Cultural context

  Kiełbasa is a central symbol in Polish food culture, making this proverb immediately vivid to a Polish ear. The image of a dog being denied sausage carries a hint of cruelty that reinforces the harshness of the social commentary. The proverb is blunt and sometimes verges on rude — it can sting when directed at a person — but it is also frequently quoted with self-aware humour.

  Beginner

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