Pokornej głowy miecz nie siecze
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What it means
The sword does not cut a humble head. Humility protects a person from attack and conflict; those who bow down are not struck down.
English equivalent
The bended knee is not touched by the sword.
Vocabulary
- pokorny — humble, meek
- głowa — head
- miecz — sword
- siec — to cut, to slash
Grammar note
'Pokornej głowy' is the genitive singular of 'pokorna głowa', functioning as the object of the negated verb. 'Nie siecze' — negated third person singular present.
Cultural context
Reflects a value of humility in Polish culture, with roots in both Christian ethics and the practical wisdom of surviving conflict by not provoking aggressors.
Intermediate
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