
IdiomNature
Polish
studnia bez dna
Meaning: An endless source of trouble or expense; something that consumes resources without limit or satisfaction.
Literally: A well without a bottom
Example: “Ten stary dom to studnia bez dna.” — That old house is a bottomless pit.
English equivalent: A bottomless pit
Equivalents in other languages
French: Le tonneau des Danaïdes Literally: The barrel of the DanaidsEnglish: a bottomless pit
Origin: A well with no bottom can never be filled: whatever is poured in disappears. Polish uses studnia bez dna for anything that swallows money or effort without limit, such as a failing company or an endless renovation. No particular story lies behind it.
More Polish idioms
- pi razy oko A rough, approximate measure with little precision; give or take.
- ptasi móżdżek A stupid or scatterbrained person.
- pojechać do Rygi To vomit.
- uzbroić się w cierpliwość To be patient or to gather one's patience.
- kończ waść, wstydu oszczędź A plea to someone to stop and spare the speaker further humiliation, even if it means acc…
- krzyżyk na drogę Good riddance; a dismissive farewell wishing someone away.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Más terco/a que una mula Hopelessly obstinate — no argument, fact, or force of nature will shift their position.
- Pareces un pulpo en un garaje You're completely out of place — flailing around uselessly in an environment that makes n…
- Che rompiscatole What an insufferable pest — someone who endlessly pesters and never lets you be.
Keep exploring