IdiomDaily Life
Polish
Polishpapierek lakmusowy
Meaning: A decisive test that reveals the true nature or quality of something.
Literally: Litmus paper
Example: “Pierwsza zima będzie papierkiem lakmusowym dla nowego dachu.” — The first winter will be the acid test for the new roof.
English equivalent: Acid test
Equivalents in other languages
English: acid test
Origin: From chemistry: litmus paper, dyed with a colorant extracted from lichens, turns red in acid and blue in alkali, giving an instant and unmistakable result. In Polish, as with English "litmus test," papierek lakmusowy is any test that reveals the true nature of something or someone at once.
More Polish idioms
- mieć głowę na karku To be sensible, intelligent, and capable of thinking for oneself.
- trzymać buzię na kłódkę To keep silent and not reveal a secret.
- policzyć na palcach jednej ręki To be very few in number; countable on one hand.
- studnia bez dna An endless source of trouble or expense; something that consumes resources without limit…
- pi razy oko A rough, approximate measure with little precision; give or take.
- ptasi móżdżek A stupid or scatterbrained person.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- T'as pas inventé le fil à couper le beurre You're not exactly a genius — the wire to cut butter is about the most obvious tool imagi…
- Tête de mule An impossibly stubborn person who refuses to change their mind no matter what.
- C'est une vraie chèvre They're hopelessly stubborn and infuriating — a goat that refuses to be moved.
Keep exploring