"A good husband has a good wife." The quality of a marriage reflects the character of both partners; a good man brings out the best in his wife, and vice versa. …

"At a widow's, bread is ready." A widow who has managed a household alone is self-sufficient and resourceful — her table is always set. Sometimes used to …

"At a widow's, bread is ready, but not healthy for everyone." What seems like an easy gain or a convenient arrangement may not suit everyone — there are hidden …

"At a widow's, bread is ready, but unhealthy." A shorter variant of the same warning: easy comfort comes with a price. What looks convenient may bring its own …

"Marcin taught Marcin, yet he himself is as stupid as a pig." Used to mock someone who presumes to teach others while being ignorant themselves. The repetition …

"Mother taught: don't leave the king's side." In card games, staying close to the king (the strongest card) is wise strategy. More broadly: stick with the …

"Bang on the table and the scissors will speak up." If you make a general accusation or criticism, the guilty party will reveal themselves by reacting. …

"A deep bow is close to falsehood." Excessive flattery and exaggerated deference are signs of insincerity. Beware of those who bow too low.

"The king is dead, long live the king." Power and institutions continue regardless of who holds them; one leader replaces another and life goes on. Also used …

"July heat foretells January frosts." A folk weather proverb: a very hot July predicts a very cold January. Extremes in summer mirror extremes in winter.

"As Saint Ursula's day is, so will the whole winter be." The weather on 21 October (feast of Saint Ursula) predicts the character of the coming winter. A sunny …