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  What it means

  Literally, “The wolf’s legs feed it.” A wolf must keep moving to hunt and survive. Figuratively, people who want to succeed need to stay active and seek opportunities instead of waiting for them.

  English equivalent

  You have to hustle to survive. / The early bird catches the worm.

  Vocabulary

  • wilk — wolf
  • wilka — wolf's (genitive singular, indicating possession)
  • nogi — legs (nominative plural)
  • karmić — to feed, to nourish

  Grammar note

  ''Wilka'' is the genitive singular of ''wilk'', used to mean the wolf's. ''Nogi'' is the nominative plural subject, and ''karmią'' is the third-person plural present of ''karmić''.

  Cultural context

  In Polish folklore, the wolf is often a capable, independent hunter. The proverb encourages someone who is waiting for luck to take action.

  Intermediate

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