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  What it means

  Literally, “At night all cats are grey.” In darkness, cats cannot be told apart by colour because they all look the same. Figuratively, the saying means that without light, clarity, or close attention, differences between people and things can disappear. A bad person may pass for a good one, and a cheap item for an expensive one.

  English equivalent

  At night all cats are grey.

  Vocabulary

  • w nocy — at night
  • wszystkie — all (neuter/feminine plural)
  • koty — cats (nominative plural)
  • szare — grey (nominative plural)

  Grammar note

  The present form of 'być' (to be) is omitted, as Polish proverbs often leave out 'są' (they are). 'Szare' agrees with 'koty' in the masculine non-personal plural. 'W nocy' uses 'w' with the locative of 'noc', giving 'nocy'.

  Cultural context

  This pan-European proverb appears in many languages. In Polish it is neutral and common in everyday speech. It may be said with a wry tone, for example when someone misses an obvious difference.

  Beginner

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