Zbrodnia nie popłaca
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What it means
Literally “Crime does not pay.” Crime and dishonesty may bring a short-term gain, but they do not bring lasting benefit and will lead to consequences. It is a direct moral warning, close to the English saying.
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 fairly formal. It appears in news reports, courtroom dramas, and public discussion of corruption or organised crime.
Beginner
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