Polish idioms are a window into the country's humour, history, and everyday life. These expressions often carry meanings that go beyond their literal translations, revealing cultural attitudes and values. Here are 10 entertaining Polish idioms that will help you understand the language - and the people - better.
1. Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy
Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy
/ɲɛ ˈmuj ˈt͡sɘrk | ɲɛ ˈmɔ.jɛ ˈmaw.pɘ/“Not my circus, not my monkeys”
A dismissive phrase meaning 'Not my problem.' It reflects the Polish tendency to avoid unnecessary drama.
2. Wpuścić kogoś w maliny
Wpuścić kogoś w maliny
/ˈfpuɕt͡ɕit͡ɕ ˈkɔɡɔɕ f maˈlɨnɨ/“To lead someone into the raspberries”
To deceive or mislead someone. The phrase likely originates from the idea of leading someone into a thicket where they’ll get lost.
3. Głowa jak sklep z garnkami
Głowa jak sklep z garnkami
/ˈɡwɔva jak sklɛp z ɡarŋˈkami/“A head like a pot shop”
Used to describe someone who is forgetful or scatterbrained. The imagery comes from the clattering noise of pots in a shop.
4. Bułka z masłem
Bułka z masłem
/ˈbuw.ka z ˈma.swɛm/“A roll with butter”
Refers to something very easy to do, akin to the English 'piece of cake.'
5. Szukać dziury w całym
Szukać dziury w całym
/ˈʂu.kat͡ɕ ˈd͡ʑu.rɘ f ˈt͡sa.wɘm/“To look for a hole in everything”
To nitpick or find faults where none exist. A critique of unnecessary perfectionism.
6. Zrobić z igły widły
Zrobić z igły widły
/ˈzrɔ.bit͡ɕ z ˈi.ɡwɘ ˈvi.dwɘ/“To make a pitchfork out of a needle”
To exaggerate or make a mountain out of a molehill.
7. Mieć muchy w nosie
Mieć muchy w nosie
/ˈmjɛt͡ɕ ˈmuxɨ v ˈnɔɕɛ/“To have flies in one’s nose”
To be in a bad mood or irritated. The imagery suggests someone is so annoyed that even flies buzzing around wouldn’t bother them.
8. Dać komuś kosza
Dać komuś kosza
/dat͡ɕ ˈkɔmuɕ ˈkɔʂa/“To give someone a basket”
To reject someone romantically. The phrase comes from the old custom of giving an unwanted suitor a basket as a symbolic refusal.
9. Nie zasypiać gruszek w popiele
Nie zasypiać gruszek w popiele
/ɲɛ zaˈsɨpjat͡ɕ ˈɡruʂɛk f pɔˈpjɛlɛ/“Don’t bury pears in ashes”
A call to action, meaning 'Don’t waste opportunities.' The phrase refers to an old method of preserving fruit by burying it in ashes - symbolising wasted potential.
10. Kot się śmiał
Kot się śmiał
/kɔt ɕɛ ɕmjaw/“The cat laughed”
An expression of disbelief, similar to 'Yeah, right!' The absurdity of a laughing cat makes it clear the speaker doesn’t buy the story.
Learning idioms like these isn’t just about expanding vocabulary - it’s about understanding the cultural quirks that shape how Polish speakers think and communicate.
If you enjoyed this guide, you might also like our article on Danish humour or Croatian idioms for more linguistic fun.
