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  What it means

  Literally “Crime does not pay.” This proverb expresses the belief that criminal or dishonest behaviour ultimately brings no lasting benefit — those who commit crimes will sooner or later face consequences. It is used as a moral warning and is one of the most universally recognised proverbs in Polish, mirroring its direct English counterpart almost word for word.

  English equivalent

  Crime doesn't pay.

  Vocabulary

  • zbrodnia — crime, felony (serious offence)
  • popłacać — to pay off, to be worthwhile (imperfective)
  • nie popłaca — does not pay off (third person singular present)

  Grammar note

  The verb 'popłacać' is imperfective and used here in the third person singular present to state a general truth. The negation 'nie' precedes the verb, as is standard in Polish. Note that 'zbrodnia' is a feminine noun in the nominative case serving as the subject.

  Cultural context

  The saying is direct and formal in register — you would hear it in news commentary, courtroom dramas, or moral discussions rather than casual slang. It appears frequently in Polish media headlines and public discourse about corruption and organised crime.

  Beginner

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