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  What it means

  A father’s gentleness spoils his son. Too much leniency from a father can lead to a badly raised child. The saying treats discipline as necessary for a good upbringing.

  English equivalent

  Spare the rod, spoil the child.

  Vocabulary

  • ojcowski — fatherly, paternal
  • łagodność — gentleness, mildness
  • syn — son
  • psuć — to spoil, to ruin

  Grammar note

  'Ojcowska łagodność' is the nominative subject. 'Syna' is the accusative object of 'psuje'.

  Cultural context

  Reflects traditional views on parenting and discipline in Polish culture.

  Intermediate

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