Uczył Marcin Marcina, a sam głupi jak świnia
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What it means
“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 of the name underlines the absurdity.
English equivalent
The pot calling the kettle black. / Physician, heal thyself.
Vocabulary
- uczyć — to teach
- głupi — stupid, foolish
- świnia — pig
- sam — himself, alone
Grammar note
'Uczył' is the masculine past tense of 'uczyć'. 'Głupi jak świnia' — 'jak' introduces a comparison; 'świnia' is nominative after 'jak'.
Cultural context
The name Marcin (Martin) is used generically for an ordinary man. The pig comparison is a strong folk insult.
Intermediate
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