Idioms are expressions or phrases whose meanings cannot be understood simply by translating the individual words. Moreover, they should be distinguished from collocations or phraseological expressions because the exact meaning of an idiom cannot be derived from its components.
Sounds complicated? Not at all!
Idioms are mainly discussed in the context of foreign languages, especially English, where we can find expressions like piece of cake, be on cloud nine, or break a leg. These phrases are primarily used in informal speech, so they are rarely found in formal language. However, they are an excellent way to expand vocabulary and learn everyday expressions.
Here is a list of the most popular idioms used by Poles!
1. Bułka z masłem
(literally: a roll with butter)
The English equivalent is a piece of cake. This idiom means something simple, easy, and without any difficulties.
2. Flaki z olejem
(literally: tripe with oil)
This expression means something uninteresting. The idiom comes from a popular Polish dish called flaki (tripe soup).
3. Na czarną godzinę
(literally: for a black hour)
In everyday language, this idiom refers to preparing something in case of a difficult situation. It expresses thinking ahead about the near or distant future.
4. Mieć muchy w nosie
(literally: to have flies in one’s nose)
Can someone have flies in their nose? According to Poles – yes! This idiom means that someone is moody, angry, or fussy. It describes a person with a temperamental attitude.
5. Mieć motyle w brzuchu
(literally: to have butterflies in one’s stomach)
When we are in love, we often experience stress symptoms like stomach aches. What is this feeling? It’s exactly what Poles call having butterflies in the stomach!
6. Robić z igły widły
(literally: to make a pitchfork out of a needle)
We are not magicians, but can we turn a needle into a pitchfork? Well, sometimes language works that way! This idiom means making a small issue seem like a huge problem.
7. Krokodyle łzy
(literally: crocodile tears)
Is someone crying? Not really! This expression refers to insincere tears and fake sadness. When someone sheds crocodile tears, they are not truly upset.
8. Rzucać grochem o ścianę
(literally: to throw peas against the wall)
It’s great when people listen to us. But do they hear and understand? This idiom describes a situation where we tell someone something, but they don’t understand or don’t care.
9. Trzymać kciuki
(literally: to hold thumbs)
Yes! You can do it! We say this when we want to wish someone good luck. The English equivalent is break a leg.
10. Być kulą u nogi
(literally: to be a ball on someone’s leg)
This is not a very pleasant expression, but sometimes it happens that a person or thing becomes a burden or an obstacle to achieving a goal.
How does this look in practice? Here’s a short story using some of these idioms:
Ten dzień był nudny jak flaki z olejem, lecz Ania ma dzisiaj ważny egzamin.
Kasia mówi:
– Trzymam za ciebie kciuki! To będzie bułka z masłem!
Ale Ania ma muchy w nosie i odpowiada:
– Nie! To trudne!
Kasia jest zła:
– Mówienie do Ciebie to jak rzucać grochem o ścianę! Robisz z igły widły!
Po egzaminie Ania płacze. Kasia mówi:
– To krokodyle łzy! Na pewno dobrze ci poszło!
Wieczorem Ania dostaje wynik – zdała!
– Nie mogę w to uwierzyć! – mówi.
Kasia się śmieje:
– Mówiłam! Mam czekoladę na czarną godzinę!
Dive into the world of idioms and expand your Polish vocabulary with us. After all, it’s bułka z masłem!
