Every language has its own sayings and idioms! Learn 30 Polish phrases and sayings that will help you make your Polish more fluent. Understand their meanings and when to use them in everyday conversations.
Polish is a language as rich in culture as it is in consonants. While learning Polish can be a challenge, it can also be super fun, as it's full of surprising, funny, and sometimes downright bizarre expressions.
In this article, I'll share with you 30 funny Polish phrases and sayings that will not only make you chuckle but also help you express your thoughts in a way that clicks with the locals–and give you a glimpse into the Polish culture.
12 Funny Polish Phrases That Will Make You Chuckle
Polish phrases can be colorful, quirky, and sometimes confusing when translated directly into English. They often capture the essence of a situation in a way that only Polish can. Here are twelve funny Polish phrases that might leave you scratching your head, laughing, or both!
1. Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy
Translation: Not my circus, not my monkeys
Meaning: It’s not my problem.
When to use: Perfect for those moments when you want to distance yourself from someone else’s chaos. It’s a way of saying, “This mess? Not my responsibility.”
Example: Oni się kłócą, ale to nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy. (ENG: They are arguing, but it's not my problem.)
💡 Wanna hear how a few of these phrases are pronounced? Watch THIS video on my Instagram account.
2. Co ma piernik do wiatraka?
Translation: What does gingerbread have to do with a windmill?
Meaning: What does one thing have to do with another?
When to use: When someone makes a completely irrelevant point, this phrase is your go-to. It’s the Polish way of saying, “That’s a bit of a stretch, isn’t it?”
Example: My mówimy o polityce, a ty o pogodzie. Co ma piernik do wiatraka? (ENG: We’re talking about politics, and you’re talking about the weather. What does that have to do with one another?)
3. Robić z igły widły
Translation: Make a pitchfork out of a needle
Meaning: To exaggerate something small.
When to use: When someone is blowing a minor issue out of proportion, this phrase is a sharp yet humorous way to bring them back to reality.
Example: Przestań robić z igły widły! To naprawdę nie jest taka wielka sprawa. (ENG: Stop exaggerating! It really isn’t such a big deal.)
4. Jak pies je, to nie szczeka
Translation: When the dog eats, it doesn’t bark
Meaning: You can’t do two things at once.
When to use: A gentle reminder to focus on one task at a time. Multitasking? Not according to this Polish phrase!
Example: Zjedz najpierw obiad, potem porozmawiamy. Jak pies je, to nie szczeka.(ENG: First, eat your dinner, then we’ll talk. You can't do both at once.)
5. Wyjść na swoje
Translation: To come out on your own
Meaning: To get exactly what you wanted.
When to use: Use this phrase when you’ve managed to get something to your advantage or simply make it through a tough situation.
Example: Po długiej walce z urzędem, w końcu wyszedłem na swoje. (ENG: After a long fight with the office, I finally got what I wanted.)
6. Ręce opadają
Translation: The hands fall down
Meaning: To be utterly exasperated.
When to use: When someone or something leaves you so frustrated or hopeless that you just don’t know what to do anymore.
Example: Kiedy widzę, jak on znowu robi ten sam błąd, ręce mi opadają. (ENG: When I see him making the same mistake again, I don't know what else to do.)
7. Siedzieć cicho jak mysz pod miotłą
Translation: To sit quietly like a mouse under a broom
Meaning: To stay out of sight and out of trouble.
When to use: This is a great phrase to use when someone is being unusually quiet or trying to avoid attention.
Example: Po tym, jak zbił wazon, siedział cicho jak mysz pod miotłą przez resztę dnia. (ENG: After he broke the vase, he sat quietly for the rest of the day.)
8. Wypić piwo, którego się nawarzyło
Translation: To drink the beer you’ve brewed
Meaning: To face the consequences of your actions.
When to use: When someone has to deal with the results of their decisions, this phrase is a perfect reminder of personal responsibility.
Example: Zdecydowałeś się na ten projekt, to teraz musisz wypić piwo, którego nawarzyłeś. (ENG: You decided on this project, now you have to go through with it.)
9. Czuć miętę do kogoś
Translation: To feel mint towards someone
Meaning: To have a crush on someone.
When to use: A fun and quirky way to admit you’re smitten. Next time you’re sweet on someone, just tell them you “feel mint” towards them!
Example: Widzę, że Ania czuje miętę do swojego nowego kolegi z pracy. (ENG: I see that Ania has a crush on her new coworker.)
10. Trzymać kciuki
Translation: To hold your thumbs
Meaning: To keep your fingers crossed.
When to use: When you’re wishing someone luck, tell them you’re “holding your thumbs” for them. It’s the Polish way of sending good vibes!
Example: Jutro mam egzamin, więc trzymaj za mnie kciuki! (ENG: I have an exam tomorrow, so keep your finger crossed for me!)
11. Nie wchodzić komuś w paradę
Translation: Not to get in someone's parade
Meaning: To avoid interfering with someone’s plans or to stay out of their way.
When to use: When advising someone to respect another person’s space or plans.
Example: Lepiej nie wchodzić mu w paradę, bo może się zdenerwować. (ENG: It’s better not to interfere with his plans, or he might get upset.)
12. Robić dobrą minę do złej gry
Translation: To make a good face at a bad game
Meaning: To put on a brave face or pretend everything is fine even when it isn’t.
When to use: Use this phrase when someone is trying to maintain a positive demeanor despite facing difficulties or unpleasant situations.
Example: Nawet gdy projekt poszedł źle, próbował robić dobrą minę do złej gry. (ENG: Even when the project went wrong, he tried to put on a brave face.)
18 Funny Polish Sayings That Show You The Polish Way of Thinking
Polish sayings often carry deep wisdom wrapped in humor or peculiar imagery. These sayings offer unique insights into the Polish way of thinking. Some of them also exist in English but with different expressions or nuances.
These sayings will help you understand the quirks of Polish culture and the Polish person (or people) in your life a little bit better.
1. Jak sobie pościelisz, tak się wyśpisz
Translation: How you make your bed, so you shall lie in it
Meaning: You reap what you sow.
When to use: When someone’s actions or decisions are about to catch up with them, this saying is a reminder that they’re responsible for their outcomes.
Example: Podjąłeś taką decyzję, więc teraz musisz z tym żyć. Jak sobie pościelisz, tak się wyśpisz. (ENG: You made this decision, so now you have to live with it. You reap what you sow.)
2. Jak się nie ma, co się lubi, to się lubi, co się ma
Translation: If you don’t have what you like, you like what you have
Meaning: Make the best of what you’ve got.
When to use: When someone is trying to make do with what they have, this saying encourages a positive attitude towards less-than-ideal circumstances.
Example: Nie mogłem znaleźć idealnego mieszkania, ale to, które wynająłem, jest w porządku. Jak się nie ma, co się lubi, to się lubi, co się ma. (ENG: I couldn’t find the perfect apartment, but the one I rented is fine. Make the best of what you’ve got.)
3. Z deszczu pod rynnę
Translation: From the rain under the gutter
Meaning: Out of the frying pan, into the fire.
When to use: When someone escapes one problem only to find themselves in an even worse situation, this saying perfectly captures that misfortune.
Example: Zrezygnowałem z pracy, bo było źle, ale teraz mam jeszcze gorzej. Z deszczu pod rynnę. (ENG: I quit my job because it was bad, but now I’m in an even worse situation. Out of the frying pan, into the fire.)
4. Wypisz wymaluj
Translation: The spitting image
Meaning: The exact likeness, a perfect match.
When to use: Use this saying when someone or something is a dead ringer for another.
Example: Twoja córka to wypisz wymaluj ty z młodości. (ENG: Your daughter is the spitting image of you in your youth.)
5. Kiedy wejdziesz między wrony, musisz krakać jak one
Translation: When you join the crows, you must caw like them
Meaning: When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
When to use: This saying is handy when reminding someone to adapt to their surroundings or conform to the norms of a group.
Example: Jeśli chcesz się tutaj zaaklimatyzować, musisz zacząć się zachowywać jak oni. Kiedy wejdziesz między wrony, musisz krakać jak one. (ENG: If you want to fit in here, you need to start acting like them. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.)
6. Leje jak z cebra
Translation: It’s pouring like from a sieve
Meaning: It’s raining cats and dogs.
When to use: This saying is perfect for those torrential downpours where an umbrella feels like a mere accessory.
Example: Musimy odwołać piknik, bo leje jak z cebra. (ENG: We have to cancel the picnic because it’s pouring cats and dogs.)
7. Co za dużo, to niezdrowo
Translation: What’s too much is unhealthy
Meaning: Too much of a good thing can be bad.
When to use: When someone is overindulging or overdoing something, this saying is a gentle reminder that moderation is key.
Example: Nie możesz pracować po 12 godzin dziennie, co za dużo, to niezdrowo. (ENG: You can’t work 12 hours a day; too much of a good thing can be bad.)
8. Gdzie diabeł nie może, tam babę pośle
Translation: Where the devil can’t go, he sends a woman
Meaning: Women are resourceful and can get things done where others fail.
When to use: Use this saying when a woman succeeds in overcoming a challenge that others couldn’t handle.
Example: Nie mogliśmy rozwiązać tego problemu, ale Agnieszka przyszła i od razu to załatwiła. Gdzie diabeł nie może, tam babę pośle. (ENG: We couldn’t solve this problem, but Agnieszka came and fixed it right away. Women are resourceful and can get things done where others fail.)
9. Nie chwal dnia przed zachodem słońca
Translation: Don’t praise the day before sunset
Meaning: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
When to use: This saying is a reminder not to get ahead of yourself when things are going well—wait until the end before celebrating.
Example: Wygląda na to, że wygramy, ale nie chwal dnia przed zachodem słońca. (ENG: It looks like we’re going to win, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch.)
10. Nie mów hop, zanim nie przeskoczysz
Translation: Don’t say hop before you jump
Meaning: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Don’t assume success before it’s guaranteed. Similar to the previous one!
When to use: Use this saying to remind someone not to assume that something will work out or be successful before it actually happens.
Example: Wiesz, że wyniki egzaminów są jeszcze niepewne. Nie mów hop, zanim nie przeskoczysz. (ENG: You know that the exam results are still uncertain. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.)
11. Gdyby kózka nie skakała, to by nóżki nie złamała
Translation: If the little goat hadn’t jumped, it wouldn’t have broken its leg
Meaning: Actions have consequences.
When to use: This saying is often used to remind someone, especially children, to be careful and consider the consequences of their actions. It's usually used when the consequence is something physical (like when a kid falls on its face!).
Example: Mówiłam ci, żebyś nie biegał po mokrej podłodze. Gdyby kózka nie skakała, to by nóżki nie złamała. (ENG: I told you not to run on the wet floor. Actions have consequences.)
12. Kto rano wstaje, temu Pan Bóg daje
Translation: God gives to those who wake up early
Meaning: The early bird catches the worm.
When to use: Encourage someone to start their day early with this classic saying that’s both a bit of advice and a gentle nudge.
Example: Jeśli chcesz zdobyć dobrą ofertę, musisz wstać wcześnie. Kto rano wstaje, temu Pan Bóg daje. (ENG: If you want to get a good deal, you have to wake up early. The early bird catches the worm.)
13. Nadzieja matką głupich
Translation: Hope is the mother of fools
Meaning: Hoping for the impossible is foolish.
When to use: This saying is perfect for those moments when someone’s optimism seems a bit too far-fetched.
Example: Nie liczyłbym na cud w tej sprawie, nadzieja matką głupich. (ENG: I wouldn’t count on a miracle in this case; hoping for the impossible is foolish.)
14. Nie od razu Kraków zbudowano
Translation: Cracow wasn’t built in a day
Meaning: Rome wasn't built in a day. Great things take time.
When to use: A wise saying, perfect for when someone needs a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight.
Example: Zbudowanie tej aplikacji zajmie trochę czasu, nie od razu Kraków zbudowano. (ENG: Building this app will take some time; great things take time.)
15. Mądry Polak po szkodzie
Translation: A Pole is wise after the damage is done
Meaning: Hindsight is 20/20.
When to use: When someone realizes their mistake a little too late, this saying is a gentle way to say, “I told you so.”
Example: Teraz widzisz, gdzie popełniłeś błąd, ale mądry Polak po szkodzie. (ENG: Now you see where you made the mistake, but hindsight is 20/20.)
16. Lepszy wróbel w garści niż gołąb na dachu
Translation: A sparrow in the hand is better than a pigeon on the roof
Meaning: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
When to use: To remind someone to value what they have rather than chase after something uncertain.
Example: Masz już dobrą ofertę pracy, więc nie szukaj dalej. Lepszy wróbel w garści niż gołąb na dachu. (ENG: You already have a good job offer, so don’t keep looking. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.)
17. Nie ma róży bez kolców
Translation: There’s no rose without thorns
Meaning: Every good thing has its drawbacks.
When to use: A perfect saying to remind someone that even the best things in life come with challenges.
Example: Ta nowa praca jest świetna, ale wymaga dużo czasu. Nie ma róży bez kolców. (ENG: This new job is great, but it requires a lot of time. Every good thing has its drawbacks.)
18. Kto mieczem wojuje, od miecza ginie
Translation: He who lives by the sword dies by the sword
Meaning: Violence begets violence.
When to use: A powerful reminder of the consequences of one’s actions, particularly when dealing with aggression or conflict.
Example: Wiesz, że agresja prowadzi do jeszcze większej agresji. Kto mieczem wojuje, od miecza ginie. (ENG: You know that aggression leads to more aggression. Violence begets violence.)
Are You "Feeling Mint"?
Polish is a language that’s not only rich in history and culture but also in humor and wisdom. These funny phrases and sayings offer a glimpse into the Polish mindset—where wit and wisdom often go hand in hand.
Whether you’re learning Polish for the first time or you’re well on your way to fluency, incorporating these expressions into your vocabulary will not only make your conversations more colorful but also help you connect more deeply with Polish speakers.
If you'd like to learn more about the Polish language and culture, be sure to check out the other articles on this blog - like this one with 85 common phrases in Polish you must know. And follow me on Instagram, where I post (almost) daily videos teaching Polish in under 1 minute.
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