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  What it means

  “Bang on the table and the scissors will speak up.” If you make a general accusation or criticism, the guilty person often gives themselves away by reacting. It is close to “a hit dog will holler.”

  English equivalent

  A guilty conscience needs no accuser. / If the cap fits, wear it.

  Vocabulary

  • uderzyć — to hit, to bang
  • stół — table
  • nożyce — scissors
  • odezwać się — to speak up, to respond

  Grammar note

  'Uderz' is the imperative of 'uderzyć'. 'Nożyce się odezwą' is a reflexive future form; 'nożyce' is nominative plural.

  Cultural context

  The scissors stand for a sharp-tongued or guilty person who cannot help reacting when they feel targeted.

  Intermediate

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