Od rzemyczka do koniczka
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What it means
“From a strap to a horse.” This is a shorter form of the longer proverb about theft that grows worse. It is used on its own to warn that small misdeeds can become serious ones.
English equivalent
Give him an inch and he'll take a mile.
Vocabulary
- rzemyczek — small strap, thong (diminutive of rzemień)
- koniczek — little horse (diminutive of koń)
Grammar note
Both nouns are in the genitive after 'od' and 'do' respectively. The diminutives soften the tone while the meaning remains a serious warning.
Cultural context
This is the short everyday form of the longer proverb 'Od łyczka do rzemyczka…'. Both forms are still used.
Beginner
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