Płot trzy lata, kot trzy płoty, koń trzy koty
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What it means
A fence lasts three years, a cat outlives three fences, a horse outlives three cats. A folk saying about the relative lifespans of things — and a reminder that animals outlast man-made structures, and horses outlast cats.
Vocabulary
- płot — fence
- kot — cat
- koń — horse
Grammar note
Elliptical structure — the verb 'żyje' (lives) or 'trwa' (lasts) is omitted throughout. 'Trzy lata/płoty/koty' are accusative after the implied verb.
Cultural context
A rural proverb rooted in the agricultural world, where knowing the lifespan of animals and structures had practical importance.
Intermediate
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