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  What it means

  Literally, “the truth pokes in the eyes.” Truth can be painful to hear, especially when it exposes a fault or mistake. People use the saying to defend blunt honesty or explain a bad reaction to a truthful remark.

  English equivalent

  The truth hurts.

  Vocabulary

  • prawda — truth (nominative)
  • w oczy — in the eyes (accusative plural of 'oko')
  • kole — pokes, pricks, stings (third person singular present of 'kłuć')

  Grammar note

  'Kole' is the third-person singular present of the irregular verb 'kłuć' (to prick or sting). 'W oczy' is accusative plural and names the target of the action. 'Prawda' is the nominative singular subject.

  Cultural context

  This common saying has a neutral to slightly defensive tone. It often introduces a candid remark: 'Prawda w oczy kole, ale...' (The truth hurts, but...). It is used across age groups and situations.

  Intermediate

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