Tylko ryby nie biorą
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What it means
“Only fish don’t take (bribes).” A cynical comment that anyone can be bribed or persuaded, except fish. It is used ironically about corruption or how easily people give in 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
It is often used in talk about corruption in Polish public life. The joke is the absurd exception made for fish.
Intermediate
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