Przysłowia w języku angielskim
Poznaj angielskie przysłowia, idiomy i popularne wyrażenia wraz z polskimi odpowiednikami. Skorzystaj z wyszukiwarki i alfabetu, aby szybko znaleźć interesujące Cię hasło.
Zbiór obejmuje także idiomy i utarte zwroty. Niektóre odpowiedniki są przybliżone lub mają kilka wariantów. Każde hasło zawiera przykładowe użycie; przykłady służą do nauki i wymagają jeszcze redakcyjnej weryfikacji.
A (2)
↑ Wróć do alfabetualbo jedno, albo drugie
You can't have it both ways
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “You can't have it both ways.”
apetyt rośnie w miarę jedzenia
appetite comes with eatingthe more you have, the more you want
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Appetite comes with eating.”
B (31)
↑ Wróć do alfabetubaba z wozu koniom lżej
that solves that (problem)that's that problem out of the way
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “That solves that (problem).”
bawić się z kimś w kotka i myszkę
to play cat and mouse with somebody
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to play cat and mouse with somebody.
bez kija nie podchodź
to give sb/sth a wide berthto steer clear of somebody
Przykład: Tom is hot under the collar. You'd better steer clear of him today.
bez pracy nie ma kołaczy
no pains, no gains
Przykład: She practised every day to pass the exam. No pain, no gain.
biednemu zawsze wiatr wieje w oczy
it never rains but it pours
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “It never rains but it pours.”
biedny jak mysz kościelna
as poor as a church mouse
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as poor as a church mouse.
blady jak ściana/płótno
as white as a sheet
Przykład: Everyone said he was as white as a sheet.
błądzić jest rzeczą ludzką
to err is human
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to err is human.
brać sobie coś do serca
to take something to heart
Przykład: He knew it was time to take something to heart.
brązowy jak czekolada
as brown as a berry
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as brown as a berry.
bredzić trzy po trzy
to talk complete rubbish
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to talk complete rubbish.
brzydki jak strach na wróble
as ugly as a scarecrow
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as ugly as a scarecrow.
burza w szklance wody
a storm in a teacup (BrE)a tempest in a teapot (AmE)
Przykład: The disagreement was minor, but everyone treated it like a storm in a teacup.
być komuś kamieniem u szyi
to be a millstone round sb's neck
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to be a millstone round someone's neck.
być kulą u nogi komuś
to be a millstone round sb's neck
Przykład: He knew it was time to be a millstone round someone's neck.
być plamą na honorze (kogoś)
to be a blot on the escutcheon
Przykład: She decided not to be a blot on the escutcheon.
bać się kogoś / czegoś jak ognia
to fear / dread somebody / something like fire
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “To fear somebody / something like fire.”
bać się własnego cienia
to be afraid of one's own shadow
Przykład: He knew it was time to be afraid of one's own shadow.
bardziej papieski niż sam papież
more popist than the Popemore royalist than the king
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “More popist than the Pope.”
bez zmrużenia / drgnienia powieki
without batting an eyelid
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Without batting an eyelid.”
bić głową w mur
to beat / bang one's head against the wall
Przykład: He knew it was time to beat one's head against the wall.
bliski czyjemuś sercu
near to sb's heart
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Near to someone's heart.”
bombardować kogoś pytaniami
to bombard somebody with questions
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to bombard somebody with questions.
brać czyjąś stronę
to take sb's side
Przykład: He knew it was time to take someone's side.
brać coś do serca
to take something to heart
Przykład: She decided not to take something to heart.
brać prawo w swoje ręce
to take the law into one's own hands
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to take the law into one's own hands.
być cieniem dawnego siebie
to be a shadow on one's old self
Przykład: He knew it was time to be a shadow on one's old self.
być czyjąś prawą ręką
to be sb's right handto be sb's right-hand man
Przykład: She decided not to be someone's right hand.
być duszą czegoś
to be very soul of somethingto be the life and soul of something
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to be very soul of something.
być z kimś na noże
to be at daggers with somebody
Przykład: He knew it was time to be at daggers with somebody.
być narzędziem w czyichś rękach
to be a tool in sb's hands
Przykład: She decided not to be a tool in someone's hands.
C (24)
↑ Wróć do alfabetucel uświęca środki
the end justifies the means
Przykład: He argued that the end justifies the means, but I disagreed with his methods.
chciwy dwa razy traci
grasp all, lose all
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “Grasp all, lose all.”
chodzić z głową w chmurach
to have one's head in the clouds
Przykład: She decided not to have one's head in the clouds.
chować głowę w piasek
to bury one's head in the sand
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to bury one's head in the sand.
chudy jak szczapa
as thin as a rake
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as thin as a rake.
chytry jak lis
as cunning as a fox
Przykład: Everyone said he was as cunning as a fox.
cicha woda brzegi rwie
still waters run deep
Przykład: He rarely speaks in meetings, but his ideas are brilliant. Still waters run deep.
ciekawość to pierwszy stopień do piekła
curiosity killed the cat
Przykład: Stop looking through her private messages. Curiosity killed the cat.
ciężki jak ołów
as heavy as lead
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as heavy as lead.
cisza jak makiem zasiał
so quiet you can hear a pin dropdeathly silence
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “So quiet you can hear a pin drop.”
co dwie głowy to nie jedna
two heads are better than one
Przykład: Let’s solve this problem together. Two heads are better than one.
co kraj to obyczaj
every country has its own customs
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Every country has its own customs.”
co ma wisieć nie utonie
he that is born to be hanged shall never be drownedif you're born to hang, you'll never drown
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “He that is born to be hanged shall never be drowned.”
Co masz zrobić jutro, zrób dziś
never put off (leave) till tomorrow what you can do today
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Never put off (leave) till tomorrow what you can do today.”
co racja, to racja!
yes, (yes) indeed!
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Yes, (yes) indeed.”
co się odwlecze to nie uciecze
all is not lost that is delayedWhat goes around comes aroundthere's luck in leisure
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “All is not lost that is delayed.”
co wolno wojewodzie to nie tobie smrodzie
do as I say, not as I do
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
co z oczu to z serca
out of sight, out of mind
Przykład: After they moved to different cities, they slowly lost touch. Out of sight, out of mind.
co za dużo to nie zdrowo
more than enough is too mucheverything in moderation
Przykład: You can enjoy sweets occasionally, but everything in moderation.
czapki z głów!
hats off!
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Hats off.”
czepiać się (trzymać się) czegoś jak pijany płotu
to hold on to somethingto be pig-headed about something
Przykład: She decided not to hold on to something.
czerwony jak burak
as red as a beetroot
Przykład: Everyone said he was as red as a beetroot.
czarny jak smoła
as black as pitchpitch-black
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as black as pitch.
czuć się jak ryba w wodzie
to be in one's element
Przykład: She decided not to be in one's element.
D (15)
↑ Wróć do alfabetudobry zwyczaj, nie pożyczaj
lend your money and lose your friend
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Lend your money and lose your friend.”
drzeć się jak (stare) prześcieradło
to shout one's head off
Przykład: He knew it was time to shout one's head off.
dla towarzystwa dał się Cygan powiesić
in for a penny, in for a pound
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “In for a penny, in for a pound.”
dobrymi chęciami piekło (jest) wybrukowane
the road to hell is paved with good intentions
Przykład: He meant to help, but his advice caused trouble. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
dobra psu i mucha
better a mouse in the pot than no meat at all
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Better a mouse in the pot than no meat at all.”
do tanga trzeba dwojga
It takes two to tango
Przykład: Both partners need to work on the relationship. It takes two to tango.
dumny jak paw
as proud as a peacock
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as proud as a peacock.
działać jak płachta na byka
to be like a red rag to a bull
Przykład: He knew it was time to be like a red rag to a bull.
drżeć jak liść
to shake like a leaf
Przykład: She decided not to shake like a leaf.
dzielić skórę na niedźwiedziu
to count one's chickens (before they are hatched / before they hatch)to sell the bear's skin before one has caught the bear
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “To count one's chickens (before they are hatched / before they hatch).”
dolewać oliwy do ognia
to add fuel to the fire / flameto make things worseto add fuel to the flames
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “To add fuel to the fire / flame.”
do odważnych świat należy
fortune favours the brave
Przykład: She applied for the job even though she felt nervous. Fortune favours the brave.
dla chcącego nic trudnego
where there's a will there's a wayif you want something badly enough, you'll get it
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Where there's a will there's a way.”
droga do serca mężczyzny wiedzie przez żołądek
the way to a man's heart is through his stomach
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.”
darowanemu koniowi nie zagląda się w zęby
don't look a gift horse in the mouth
Przykład: The bike was old, but it was a gift. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
F (1)
↑ Wróć do alfabetufilm mi się urwał
I got completely / totally blotto
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “I got completely / totally blotto.”
G (20)
↑ Wróć do alfabetugłowa do góry!
chin up!cheer up!
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Chin up.”
głupiec szybko trwoni pieniądze
A fool and his money are soon parted
Przykład: He spent his inheritance in a month. A fool and his money are soon parted.
gość nie w porę gorszy Tatarzyna
there's nothing worse than a guest turning up at the wrong time
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “There's nothing worse than a guest turning up at the wrong time.”
głową muru nie przebijesz
there's no point in / it's no use banging your head against a brick wall
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “There's no point in / it's no use banging your head against a brick wall.”
głuchy jak pień
as deaf as a post
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as deaf as a post.
głodny jak wilk
as hungry as a horse
Przykład: Everyone said he was as hungry as a horse.
gładki jak aksamit
as smooth as velvet
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as smooth as velvet.
głupota i pieniądze nie idą w parze
A fool and his money are soon parted
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A fool and his money are soon parted.”
gapić się jak cielę/wół na malowane wrota
to stare like a halfwitto gawp at somebody / something)
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to stare like a halfwit.
głupich nie sieją, sami się rodzą
there's a sucker born every minute
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “There's a sucker born every minute.”
głupi jak but
as thick as a brick(BrE) as thick as two (short) planks
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as thick as a brick.
gadaj zdrów
sticks and stones may break my bones (but words will never harm me)
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Sticks and stones may break my bones (but words will never harm me).”
gdzie diabeł nie może tam babę pośle
where the Devil cannot go himself, he sends a woman
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Where the Devil cannot go himself, he sends a woman.”
gruchać jak dwa gołąbki
to bill and coo
Przykład: She decided not to bill and coo.
gość w dom Bóg w dom
our house is at your disposalwhat's ours is yours
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Our house is at your disposal.”
głodnemu chleb na myśli
well, we all know what's on your mind / what you're thinkingthe tongue ever turns to the aching tooth
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “Well, we all know what's on your mind / what you're thinking.”
gdzie drwa rąbią tam wióry lecą
you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs.”
gdyby babcia miała wąsy to by była dziadkiem
if wishes were horses beggars would ride
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “If wishes were horses beggars would ride.”
gdzie dwóch się bije tam trzeci korzysta
two dogs fight / strive for a bone and a third (dog) runs away with itwhen two quarrels, a third wins
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Two dogs fight / strive for a bone and a third (dog) runs away with it.”
gdzie kucharek sześć tam nie ma co jeść
too many cooks spoil the broth
Przykład: Ten people tried to manage the event and nothing got done. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
H (2)
↑ Wróć do alfabetuharować jak przysłowiowy murzyn
to work like the proverbial black
Przykład: He's been working like the proverbial black.
herkulesowa praca / wysiłek
a herculean task / a herculean effort
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “A herculean task / a herculean effort.”
I (8)
↑ Wróć do alfabetuiść jak po maśle
iść jak po maśle
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Iść jak po maśle.”
i w Paryżu nie zrobią z owsa ryżu
you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.”
iść po linii najmniejszego oporu
follow / take the line of least resistancetake the way / path / course of least resistance
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Follow / take the line of least resistance.”
iść w czyjeś ślady
follow in sb's footsteps
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “Follow in someone's footsteps.”
iść z duchem czasu
keep up / move / go with the times
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Keep up / move / go with the times.”
iść pod młotek
go / come under the hammer
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Go / come under the hammer.”
iść pod prąd
go / swim against the tide / current / stream
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Go / swim against the tide / current / stream.”
iść za głosem serca
follow one's heart
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Follow one's heart.”
J (21)
↑ Wróć do alfabetujakby kij połknął
(as) stiff as a poker(as) stiff as a ramrod(as) stiff as a board
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as stiff as a poker.
jeść jak koń
to eat like a horse
Przykład: She decided not to eat like a horse.
jaki ojciec, taki syn
like father like son
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Like father like son.”
jechać co koń wyskoczy
to go like a bat out of hell
Przykład: He knew it was time to go like a bat out of hell.
jak spaść to z wysokiego konia
somebody might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Somebody might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb.”
jedna jaskółka nie czyni wiosny
one swallow doesn't make a summer
Przykład: One good test result doesn’t prove the whole course is easy. One swallow doesn’t make a summer.
jechać z kimś na tym samym wózku
to be in the same boat as somebody
Przykład: He knew it was time to be in the same boat as somebody.
jak coś jest do wszystkiego, to jest do niczego
a jack of all trades is master of none
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A jack of all trades is master of none.”
jak sobie pościelesz tak się wyśpisz
you've made your bed / as you make your bed, so you must lie in itas you sow, so shall you reap
Przykład: You ignored the warnings, and now you must face the consequences. You’ve made your bed, so you must lie in it.
jak się człowiek spieszy to się diabeł cieszy
more haste, less speed
Przykład: Check your work carefully instead of rushing. More haste, less speed.
jak Kuba Bogu tak Bóg Kubie
tit for tat
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Tit for tat.”
jak u Pana Boga za piecem
as snug as a bug in a rug
Przykład: Everyone said he was as snug as a bug in a rug.
jak się nie ma co się lubi to się lubi co się ma
beggars can't be choosers
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Beggars can't be choosers.”
jak czerwona płachta na byka
(be) like a red rag to the bull
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “(be) like a red rag to the bull.”
jak grom z jasnego nieba
like a bolt from the blue
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Like a bolt from the blue.”
jak manna z nieba
(like) manna from heaven
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “(like) manna from heaven.”
jak na szpilkach
on pins and needles
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “On pins and needles.”
jak śledzie w beczce
(packed) like herrings in a barrel
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “(packed) like herrings in a barrel.”
jak żółw
at a snail's pace
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “At a snail's pace.”
jednym uchem wleci, a drugim wyleci
go in at one ear and out at the othergo in / through one ear and out (of) the other
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “Go in at one ear and out at the other.”
jeść komuś z ręki
eat out of sb's hand
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Eat out of someone's hand.”
K (31)
↑ Wróć do alfabetukażdy święty ma swoje wykręty
stop making excuses
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Stop making excuses.”
kazał pan, musiał sam
to keep a dog and bark oneself
Przykład: She decided not to keep a dog and bark oneself.
kląć jak szewc
to swear like a trooper
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to swear like a trooper.
kto chce psa uderzyć, ten kij zawsze znajdzie
it is easy to find a stick to beat a dog
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “It is easy to find a stick to beat a dog.”
kto miłuje przyjaciela, miłuje i psa jego
love me, love my dog
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “Love me, love my dog.”
kłamstwo ma krótkie nogi
a lie has no legs(the) truth will out
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A lie has no legs.”
komu w drogę, temu czas
time to hit the road
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “Time to hit the road.”
koń by się uśmiał
(it's) enough to make a cat laugh
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “(it's) enough to make a cat laugh.”
kruk krukowi oka nie wykole
dog does not eat dog
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Dog does not eat dog.”
każda pliszka swój ogonek chwali
everyone emphasizes their good points
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Everyone emphasizes their good points.”
kradzione nie tuczy
ill-gotten gains seldom prosper
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Ill-gotten gains seldom prosper.”
kto pod kim dołki kopie sam w nie wpada
to be shot by one's own gunto get a dose of one's own medicinewho digs a pit for somebody digs a pit himself
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to be shot by one's own gun.
kto się lubi ten się czubi
squabbles are a way of lifeThe quarrels of lovers are the renewal of love
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “Squabbles are a way of life.”
kupować kota w worku
to buy a pig in a poke
Przykład: She decided not to buy a pig in a poke.
kto płaci ten wymaga
he who pays the piper calls the tune
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “He who pays the piper calls the tune.”
krowa która dużo ryczy mało mleka daje
empty vessels make most sound / noisegreat talkers are little doers
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Empty vessels make most sound / noise.”
każdy jest kowalem swego losu
every man is the architect of his own fortuneman is the master of his own destiny
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Every man is the architect of his own fortune.”
każda potwora znajdzie swego amatora
every Jack must have his Jill
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Every Jack must have his Jill.”
kto na ciebie kamieniem ty na niego chlebem
to turn the other cheekto answer / meet insult with kindness
Przykład: He knew it was time to turn the other cheek.
kto rano wstaje temu Pan Bóg daje
the early bird catches the wormearly to bed, early to rise (makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise)
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “The early bird catches the worm.”
kto daje i odbiera ten się w piekle poniewiera
give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the Devil's gold ringgive a thing and take again and you shall ride in hell's wain
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “Give a thing, and take a thing, to wear the Devil's gold ring.”
kiepskiej baletnicy przeszkadza rąbek u spódnicy
a bad workman blames his tools
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A bad workman blames his tools.”
kuj żelazo póki gorące
make hay while the sun shinesstrike while the iron is hot
Przykład: The client is interested now, so strike while the iron is hot.
kto się na gorącym sparzył ten dmucha na zimne
once bitten, twice shy
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Once bitten, twice shy.”
kiedy wejdziesz między wrony musisz krakać jak i one
when in Rome, do as the Romans do
Przykład: Everyone took off their shoes before entering, so I did too. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
kto pierwszy ten lepszy
first come, first served
Przykład: Tickets are limited and sold on a first come, first served basis.
kopać leżycego
to kick somebody when he is down
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to kick somebody when he is down.
kręcić nosem na coś
to turn up one's nose at something
Przykład: He knew it was time to turn up one's nose at something.
krok we właściwym kierunku
a step in the right direction
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A step in the right direction.”
kropla w morzu
a drop in the ocean
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A drop in the ocean.”
kusić los
to push one's luck
Przykład: He knew it was time to push one's luck.
L (13)
↑ Wróć do alfabetulove me, love my dog
the die is cast
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “The die is cast.”
lepiej dmuchać na zimne
Better safe than sorry
Przykład: Take an umbrella even if the forecast looks good. Better safe than sorry.
lepiej zapobiagać niż leczyć
an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
lepsze jest wrogiem dobrego
leave well alone
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Leave well alone.”
lepszy rydz niż nic
half a loaf is better than no bread
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Half a loaf is better than no bread.”
liczą się czyny nie słowa
actions speak louder than words
Przykład: He promised to help, but never showed up. Actions speak louder than words.
lepszy wróbel w garści niż gołąb na dachu
a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Przykład: I kept the secure job instead of gambling on an uncertain offer. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
lać się strumieniem
flow like water
Przykład: Beer flowed like water .
lata tłuste i chude
the fat and lean years
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “The fat and lean years.”
lepsza połowa
the better half
Przykład: Mr. Brown's better half is going to come too.
liczyć owce
count sheep
Przykład: Because I couldn't fall asleep I had to count sheep .
liczy się każda minuta
every minute counts
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Every minute counts.”
lwia część
the lion's share
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “The lion's share.”
M (25)
↑ Wróć do alfabetumyszy harcują, gdy kota nie czują
when the cat's away, the mice will play
Przykład: As soon as the teacher left, the class became noisy. When the cat’s away, the mice will play.
mieć nie po kolei w głowie
to need to have one's head examinedto be not all there
Przykład: He knew it was time to need to have one's head examined.
marzenie ściętej głowy
a pipe dream
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A pipe dream.”
mieć głowę nie od parady/na karku
to have one's head screwed on rightto have one's head screwed the right wayto have a good head on one's shoulders
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to have one's head screwed on right.
mieć z kimś/czymś urwanie głowy
to have one's hands full with sb/sth
Przykład: He knew it was time to have one's hands full with someone or something.
mieć zielono/pstro w głowie
to be an airhead
Przykład: She decided not to be an airhead.
mieć forsy jak lodu
to have loads of moneyto be loaded (być nadzianym)to have money to burn
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to have loads of money.
mieć dziurawe ręce
to be all (fingers and) thumbsto be ham-fistedto be cack-handedto be clumsy
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “To be all (fingers and) thumbs.”
mierz siły na zamiary
Look before you leap
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “Look before you leap.”
mądrej głowie dość dwie słowie
a word is enough to the wise
Przykład: I won’t say more about the deadline. A word to the wise is enough.
mówić/powtarzać coś jak katarynka
to chatterto repeat sth like a parrot
Przykład: He knew it was time to chatter.
mierz siły na zamiary
Look before you leap
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Look before you leap.”
mądry głupiemu ustępuje
it isn't wise to stand in a fool's way
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “It isn't wise to stand in a fool's way.”
moja babka jego babce podawała gruszki w czapce
we're very distant relatives
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “We're very distant relatives.”
mieć nierówno pod sufitem
not to be right in the headto have bats in the belfry
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Not to be right in the head.”
mądry Polak po szkodzie
a Pole is wise after the eventit is easy to be wise after the event
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A Pole is wise after the event.”
mieć coś na końcu języka
to have something on the tip of one's tongue
Przykład: He knew it was time to have something on the tip of one's tongue.
mieć coś we krwi
something runs in one's blood
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Something runs in one's blood.”
mieć długie ręce
to have a long arm
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to have a long arm.
mieć nosa do czegoś
to have a (good, etc.) nose for something
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “To have a (good, etc.) nose for something.”
mieć do kogoś/czegoś słabość
to have a weakness for somebody/something
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “To have a weakness for somebody/something.”
mieć kogoś na sumieniu
to have somebody on one's conscience
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to have somebody on one's conscience.
mieć mieszane uczucia
to have mixed feelings about somebody / something
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “To have mixed feelings about somebody / something.”
mieć oczy i uszy otwarte na
to keep one's eyes and ears open
Przykład: She decided not to keep one's eyes and ears open.
mieć roboty po uszy
to be up to the / one's ears in work
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “To be up to the / one's ears in work.”
N (34)
↑ Wróć do alfabetunie kijem go to pałką
there's more than one way to skin a cat
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “There's more than one way to skin a cat.”
nie mieć oleju w głowie
not to have the sense one was born with
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “Not to have the sense one was born with.”
niech cię o to głowa nie boli
that's not your problemdon't worry about it
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “That's not your problem.”
nadstawiać głowę
to risk one's neck
Przykład: He knew it was time to risk one's neck.
niech mnie/cię kule biją!
well, I'll be damned/hanged/blowed!stone me (BrE)stone the crows!
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Well, I'll be damned/hanged/blowed.”
nie święci garnki lepią
you can learn anything with a bit of practice
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “You can learn anything with a bit of practice.”
na złodzieju czapka gore
a guily person never behaves naturally
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A guily person never behaves naturally.”
nie samą pracą żyje człowiek
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
na upór nie ma lekarstwa
(there are) none so deaf as those who will not hear
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “(there are) none so deaf as those who will not hear.”
nic w przyrodzie nie ginie
things don't just disappear
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “Things don't just disappear.”
nie dla psa kiełbasa
it's too good for you / him / them
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “It's too good for you / him / them.”
ni pies, ni wydra (coś na kształt świdra)
neither fish nor fowl (nor good red herring)betwixt and between
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Neither fish nor fowl (nor good red herring).”
nie mów hop, póki nie przeskoczysz
don't count your chickens before they're hatcheddon't cross a bridge until you come to it
Przykład: Wait until you have the contract before celebrating. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
nie chwal dnia przed zachodem słońca
don't speak/crow too soondon't count your chickens (before they are hatched / before they hatch)
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Don't speak/crow too soon.”
nie poznała babka swojej wnuczki w tańcu
fancy that!
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Fancy that.”
niech cię/go/to licho weźmie
(God) damn you!/him!/it!
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “(God) damn you!/him!/it.”
nawarzyć sobie piwa
to land oneself in it / in a fine mess
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “To land oneself in it / in a fine mess.”
na dwoje babka wróżyła
it's up in the airyour guess is as good as mine
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “It's up in the air.”
nie od razu Rzym zbudowano
Rome was not built in a day
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Rome was not built in a day.”
nie wie lewica co czyni prawica
the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.”
nie wywołuj wilka z lasu
let sleeping dogs liedon't trouble trouble until trouble troubles you
Przykład: Don’t bring up that old argument again. Let sleeping dogs lie.
nie ma tego złego co by na dobre nie wyszło
every cloud has a silver lining
Przykład: Losing that job led her to a better opportunity. Every cloud has a silver lining.
nie taki diabeł straszny (jak go malują)
the devil's not so black as he is painted
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “The devil's not so black as he is painted.”
niedaleko pada jabłko od jabłoni
like father, like sonlike mother, like daughter
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “Like father, like son.”
nie śmiej się dziadku z czyjegoś wypadku dziadek się śmiał i tak samo miał
you'll be laughing out the other side of your mouth / face when the same thing happens to you
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “You'll be laughing out the other side of your mouth / face when the same thing happens to you.”
nie dziel skóry na niedźwiedziu
don't count your chickens before they hatch
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “Don't count your chickens before they hatch.”
nie wszystko złoto co się świeci
all that glitters is not gold
Przykład: The apartment looked beautiful online, but it had serious problems. All that glitters is not gold.
nieszczęścia chodzą parami
it never rains but it poursmisery loves company
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “It never rains but it pours.”
nie ma dymu bez ognia
there's no smoke without firewhere there's smoke, there's fire
Przykład: There may be some truth to the rumours. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
nadepnąć komuś na odcisk
tread / step on sb's toes / corns
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Tread / step on someone's toes / corns.”
nadstawiać drugi policzek
turn the other cheek
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Turn the other cheek.”
nawet nie mrugnąć okiem
not to bat an eyelid / never to bat an eyelid
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “Not to bat an eyelid / never to bat an eyelid.”
nie kiwnąć małym palcem
not lift / raise / stir a little finger
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Not lift / raise / stir a little finger.”
nie mieć równego sobie
have no equal
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “Have no equal.”
O (16)
↑ Wróć do alfabetuod przybytku głowa nie boli
never too much of a good thingplenty is no plaguestore is no soreopulence does no harm
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “Never too much of a good thing.”
okazja czyni złodzieja
a postern door makes a thief
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A postern door makes a thief.”
opowiadać/pleść farmazony
to talk rubbish
Przykład: He knew it was time to talk rubbish.
opić się jak bąk
to drink one's fill
Przykład: She decided not to drink one's fill.
odpukać w niemalowane drewno
touch wood (BrE)knock on wood (AmE)
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Touch wood.”
od wódki rozum krótki
drink is the great provoker
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “Drink is the great provoker.”
odpłacić komuś pięknym za nadobne
to pay sb back in their own cointo give sb a taste of their own medicineto repay in the same cointo give somebody tit for tat
Przykład: She decided not to pay someone back in their own coin.
oliwa sprawiedliwa na wierzch wypływa
(the) truth will out
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “(the) truth will out.”
oko za oko, ząb za ząb
an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth
Przykład: He wanted revenge and insisted on an eye for an eye.
obrzucać kogoś błotem
throw/fling mud/dirt at somebody
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Throw/fling mud/dirt at somebody.”
oddać komuś rękę
to give one's hand to somebody
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to give one's hand to somebody.
oddzielać ziarno od plew
separate the grain / wheat from the chaff
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Separate the grain / wheat from the chaff.”
odradzać się z popiołów
to rise from the ashes
Przykład: She decided not to rise from the ashes.
odwracać się plecami do kogoś
to turn one's back on somebody/something
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “To turn one's back on somebody/something.”
okręcić/owinąć kogoś dookoła małego palca
to twist/turn/wind sb around one's little finger
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “To twist/wind someone around one's little finger.”
opada szczęka komuś
one's jaw drops
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “One's jaw drops.”
P (37)
↑ Wróć do alfabetuPrzysłowia: kłamać w żywe oczy
to lie in one's teeth
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to lie in one's teeth.
popuszczać pasa
to live like a king
Przykład: He knew it was time to live like a king.
pobić kogoś na głowę
to outdo sbto run/make rings (a)round sb
Przykład: She decided not to outdo someone.
pójść po rozum do głowy
to see the light (of reason)
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “To see the light (of reason).”
pijany jak bela
(as) drunk as a lord/skunk (AmE)as drunk as a newt
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “As drunk as a lord/skunk.”
puścić coś mimo uszu
to turn a deaf ear to sth
Przykład: She decided not to turn a deaf ear to something.
pić jak szewc
to drink like a fish
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to drink like a fish.
pan każe, sługa musi
not to be one's own master
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “Not to be one's own master.”
potrzeba jest matką wynalazku
necessity is the mother of invention
Przykład: We had no special tools, so we invented a solution. Necessity is the mother of invention.
proście, a będzie wam dane
ask and you shall receive
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Ask and you shall receive.”
płakać jak bóbr
to cry one's eyes out
Przykład: He knew it was time to cry one's eyes out.
porywać się z motyką na słońce
Fools rush in where angels fear to threadto bite off more than one can chew
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Fools rush in where angels fear to thread.”
pieskie życie
it's a dog's life
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “It's a dog's life.”
pracować/uwijać się jak mrówka
to work like a beaver
Przykład: He knew it was time to work like a beaver.
pies szczeka, a karawana idzie dalej
the moon doesn't care for barking dogs
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “The moon doesn't care for barking dogs.”
podchodzić/zabierać się do czegoś jak pies do jeża
to approach/get down to sth with trepidation
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to approach down to something with trepidation.
pasować jak wół do karety
to stick out like a sore thumb
Przykład: He knew it was time to stick out like a sore thumb.
przyjaciel wszystkich jest niczyim przyjacielem
Friend to all is a friend to none
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Friend to all is a friend to none.”
po kiego licha
what the devilwhat the hell
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “What the devil.”
powiedziały jaskółki, że niedobre są spółki
it's best to be your own man
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “It's best to be your own man.”
pańskie oko konia tuczy
the master's eye makes the horse fat
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “The master's eye makes the horse fat.”
przyszła koza do woza
so you want my help now, do you (after refusing it before)?
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “So you want my help now, do you (after refusing it before)?.”
prawda w oczy kole
the truth hurtsnothing hurts like the truththe greater the truth, the greater the libel
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “The truth hurts.”
pracowity jak pszczoła
as busy as a bee
Przykład: Everyone said he was as busy as a bee.
prosty jak drut
as easy as pie
Przykład: After the long day, he looked as easy as pie.
powolny jak ślimak
as slow as a snail
Przykład: Everyone said he was as slow as a snail.
pływać jak ryba
to swim like a fish
Przykład: She decided not to swim like a fish.
płaski jak deska
as flat as a pancake
Przykład: Everyone said he was as flat as a pancake.
po kiego grzyba?
what (on earth) for?
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “What (on earth) for?.”
po kiego licha
what the devilwhat the hell
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “What the devil.”
pańskie oko konia tuczy
the master's eye makes the horse fat
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “The master's eye makes the horse fat.”
przyganiał kocioł garnkowi (a sam smoli)
the pot calling the kettle black
Przykład: You’re accusing me of being late? That’s the pot calling the kettle black!
prawdziwych przyjaciół poznaje się w biedzie
a friend in need is a friend indeed
Przykład: She supported me when I was ill. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
palić za sobą mosty
to burn one's bridges behind one
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to burn one's bridges behind one.
płakać krokodylimi łzami
shed / weep crocodile tears
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Shed / weep crocodile tears.”
polityka / metoda marchewki i kija
the carrot or the stick policy / method
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “The carrot or the stick policy / method.”
pomiędzy młotem a kowadłem
between the hammer and the anvilbetween the devil and the deep blue seabetween two fires
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Between the hammer and the anvil.”
R (16)
↑ Wróć do alfabeturęczyć za kogoś/coś głową
to stick one's neck out for sb/sth
Przykład: He knew it was time to stick one's neck out for someone or something.
ręka rękę myje (noga nogę wspiera)
you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours
Przykład: I’ll help you with the report if you help me tomorrow. You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.
rzucać grochem o ścianę
to waste one's breath
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to waste one's breath.
rosnąć jak grzyby po deszczu
to spring up / pop up like mushrooms
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “To spring up / pop up like mushrooms.”
raz kozie śmierć!
you (can) only die once, right?sink or swim!
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “You (can) only die once, right?.”
robić z igły widły
to make a mountain out of a molehill
Przykład: It was a tiny mistake, but he made a mountain out of a molehill.
rzucać perły przed wieprze
to cast pearls before swine
Przykład: He knew it was time to cast pearls before swine.
raz na wozie raz pod wozem
some you win, some you lose
Przykład: We lost this match, but we’ll try again. Some you win, some you lose.
ranny ptaszek
an early bird
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “An early bird.”
ręka w rękę
hand in hand
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “Hand in hand.”
robić coś na boku
to do something on the side
Przykład: She decided not to do something on the side.
robić z siebie widowisko
to make a spectacle of oneself
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to make a spectacle of oneself.
robić coś za czyimiś plecami
to do something behind sb's back
Przykład: He knew it was time to do something behind someone's back.
rozpłynąć się w powietrzu
to vanish into thin air
Przykład: She decided not to vanish into thin air.
rozwiązać komuś język
to loosen sb's tongue
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to loosen someone's tongue.
rzucić kogoś na kolana
to bring somebody to his knees
Przykład: He knew it was time to bring somebody to his knees.
S (21)
↑ Wróć do alfabetuspokojna głowa!
don't worry!
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “Don't worry.”
stawać na głowie (żeby coś zrobić)
to bend over backwards (to do sth)to break one's neck (to do sth)
Przykład: When we talked about the situation, my teacher remarked, “To bend over backwards (to do something).”
szewc bez butów chodzi
the shoemaker's children are ill-shod
Przykład: The web designer’s own website was outdated. The shoemaker’s children are ill-shod.
starych drzew się nie przesadza
You can't teach an old dog new tricks
Przykład: When I asked for advice, he replied, “You can't teach an old dog new tricks.”
słuchaj uchem, a nie brzuchem
wash your ears out
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Wash your ears out.”
szukać dziury w całym
to pick holes (in sth)to be a nitpickerto nit-pick
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “To pick holes (in something).”
strachy na Lachy
empty threats
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “Empty threats.”
strach ma wielkie oczy
fear makes cowards of us all
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Fear makes cowards of us all.”
spaść / stoczyć się na samo dno
to end up in the gutter / on skid row (AmE)to hit rock bottom
Przykład: After hearing what happened, my friend said, “To end up in the gutter / on skid row.”
szukać igły w stogu siana
to try to find a needle in a haystack
Przykład: She decided not to try to find a needle in a haystack.
serce nie sługa
the heart knows no master
Przykład: During our conversation, she summed it up by saying, “The heart knows no master.”
stara miłość nie rdzewieje
old love never dies
Przykład: They met again after twenty years and realised that old love never dies.
starość nie radość
age is a heavy burden
Przykład: Looking back at the experience, she said, “Age is a heavy burden.”
swój swojego znajdzie
every like loves his like
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Every like loves his like.”
sam się o to prosiłeś!
you asked for it!
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “You asked for it.”
sądzić kogoś po wyglądzie
judge somebody by his looksjudge somebody by the looks
Przykład: When I told her the news, she responded, “Judge somebody by his looks.”
schodzić na psy
to go to the dogs
Przykład: In this situation, it would be unwise to go to the dogs.
serce podchodzi komuś do gardła
to have one's heart in one's mouth
Przykład: He knew it was time to have one's heart in one's mouth.
siedzić na beczce prochu
to sit on the powder keg
Przykład: She decided not to sit on the powder keg.
słoń w składzie porcelany
a bull in a china shop
Przykład: When I asked how to describe it, she replied, “A bull in a china shop.”
spoczywać na laurach
to rest on one's laurels
Przykład: He knew it was time to rest on one's laurels.
T (1)
↑ Wróć do alfabetutak krawiec kraje, jak mu materii staje
cut your coat according to your cloth
Przykład: As we discussed the problem, my colleague commented, “Cut your coat according to your cloth.”
W (1)
↑ Wróć do alfabetuw białych rękawiczkach
in / with velvet/kid gloves
Przykład: After the meeting, he shook his head and said, “In / with velvet/kid gloves.”