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  What it means

  Literally “An apple never flies far from the apple tree.” The image is of a fallen apple landing close to its parent tree — it can’t travel far on its own. Figuratively, children inherit the character, habits, and traits of their parents. Poles use it most often when observing that a child behaves just like a parent — in admiration or gentle criticism alike.

  English equivalent

  The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

  Vocabulary

  • jabłko — apple
  • jabłoń — apple tree
  • odlecieć — to fly away (perfective)
  • nigdy — never
  • daleko — far

  Grammar note

  The verb odlecieć is perfective, emphasising a completed action that doesn't happen. Nigdy triggers negation on the verb (nie odleci). Jabłoni is the genitive of jabłoń after the preposition od (from). The long word order mirrors the emphatic, folk-proverb register.

  Cultural context

  Extremely common in everyday speech, used affectionately or with mild irony. It can be a compliment ('she's as talented as her mother') or a subtle critique ('he's as stubborn as his father'). Very close in meaning and frequency to its English counterpart.

  Intermediate

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