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  What it means

  Literally “From a big cloud there will be little rain.” A dark cloud may promise a downpour but bring only drizzle. The proverb says that big promises, dramatic build-up, or threats often lead to little. People use it when something sounds more serious or impressive than it proves to be.

  English equivalent

  Much ado about nothing.

  Vocabulary

  • z — from (preposition + genitive)
  • dużej — big, large (genitive singular feminine)
  • chmury — cloud (genitive singular)
  • będzie — there will be (future tense of 'być')
  • mały — small, little (nominative masculine)
  • deszcz — rain (nominative singular)

  Grammar note

  The preposition 'z' takes the genitive: 'dużej chmury' ('chmura' becomes 'chmury', and 'duża' becomes 'dużej'). 'Będzie' is the third-person singular future of 'być'. 'Mały deszcz' is nominative and is the subject. Adding 'będzie' makes this version slightly more formal.

  Cultural context

  This proverb is common in spoken and written Polish. It often appears in political or media talk when a feared event or promised plan comes to little. The shorter variant, 'Z dużej chmury mały deszcz', is just as well known.

  Beginner

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