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strzyc uszami

Meaning: To prick up one's ears; to listen intently.

Language: Polish

Literally: to crop ears

Category: Animals

Origin: The image derives from how animals—dogs, horses, cats—swivel or raise their ears when they detect sound, a sign of sudden alertness.

More idioms — Animals

  • rany koguta — A mild exclamation expressing surprise, frustration, or emphasis.
  • wziąć w łapę — To take a bribe or to accept money corruptly.
  • pijany jak świnia — Extremely intoxicated or drunk.
  • ежовые рукавицы — Harsh, strict, or iron-fisted rule or discipline.
  • надуться как мышь на крупу — To become angry or offended; to sulk or huff indignantly.
  • метать бисер перед свиньями — To offer something precious or refined to someone incapable of appreciating it.

More Polish idioms

  • zamiatać pod dywan — To conceal or hide a problem rather than address it directly.
  • cud miód — Something delicious, wonderful, or excellent.
  • wąchać kwiatki od spodu — To be dead; to push up daisies.
  • stracić nerwy — To lose one's emotional control and become agitated or frantic.
  • stracić głowę — To act without rational thought; to abandon self-control and sound judgment.
  • włożyć kij w szprychy — To obstruct or sabotage someone's plans or efforts.

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