Panu Bogu świeczkę, a diabłu ogarek
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What it means
Another common form of the same proverb: lighting a candle for God and a stub for the devil. Describes someone who tries to appease both good and evil, or who is hypocritically two-faced.
English equivalent
To run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.
Vocabulary
- świeczka — candle
- ogarek — candle stub, burnt-down candle
Grammar note
The comma and 'a' (but/and) create a contrast between the two offerings. Both nouns are in the accusative as direct objects.
Cultural context
This is the most widely cited form of the proverb in modern Polish.
Intermediate
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