IdiomNature
Polish
Polishzapaść się pod ziemię
Meaning: To wish to disappear from shame or mortification.
Literally: To sink into the earth
Example: “Kiedy pomyliłem imię teściowej, chciałem zapaść się pod ziemię.” — When I got my mother-in-law's name wrong, I wished the ground would swallow me up.
English equivalent: To wish the ground would swallow one up
Origin: Wanting the earth to open and swallow one up is the classic picture of shame. Zapaść się pod ziemię (to sink under the ground) is usually said as a wish, chciałem się zapaść pod ziemię (I wanted to sink into the ground), like English "I wanted the ground to swallow me up." No particular story lies behind it.
Equivalents in other languages
English: wish the ground would swallow one up
More Polish idioms
- na kolanie Done quickly, crudely, or without proper care; improvised and shoddy.
- trzymać język za zębami To keep silent and refrain from speaking.
- papierek lakmusowy A decisive test that reveals the true nature or quality of something.
- mieć głowę na karku To be sensible, intelligent, and capable of thinking for oneself.
- wyrzucić pieniądze w błoto To waste money on something worthless or futile.
- trzymać buzię na kłódkę To keep silent and not reveal a secret.
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