Tylko ryby nie biorą
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What it means
“Only fish don’t take (bribes).” A cynical observation that everyone can be bribed or persuaded — except fish. Used ironically to comment on corruption or human susceptibility to temptation.
English equivalent
Every man has his price.
Vocabulary
- tylko — only
- ryba — fish
- brać — to take
Grammar note
'Ryby' is the nominative plural of 'ryba'. 'Nie biorą' is the third-person plural present negation of 'brać'.
Cultural context
Often cited in discussions of corruption in Polish public life; the humour lies in the absurd exception made for fish.
Intermediate
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