Polish Idioms

A curated set of 12 idioms in Polish — literal translations, real meanings, and where each one comes from.

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• Nie mój cyrk, nie moje małpy — Not my problem; I'm not getting involved. Literally: Not my circus, not my monkeys.
• Gdzie raki zimują — To be in serious trouble; to learn a harsh lesson. Literally: Where the crayfish spend the winter.
• Musztarda po obiedzie — Too late to be of any use. Literally: Mustard after dinner.
• Rzucać grochem o ścianę — To plead with someone who will not listen. Literally: To throw peas at the wall.
• Bułka z masłem — Something very easy; a piece of cake. Literally: A roll with butter.
• Wiercić komuś dziurę w brzuchu — To nag someone relentlessly. Literally: To drill a hole in someone's belly.
• Czuć do kogoś miętę — To have a crush on someone. Literally: To feel mint towards someone.
• Być nie w sosie — To be in a bad mood. Literally: To be out of the sauce.
• Robić kogoś w konia — To make a fool of or trick someone. Literally: To make someone into a horse.
• Mieć węża w kieszeni — To be very stingy. Literally: To have a snake in your pocket.
• Wyjść jak Zabłocki na mydle — To lose out badly on a deal. Literally: To come out like Zabłocki on soap.
• Gdzie kucharek sześć, tam nie ma co jeść — Too many cooks spoil the broth. Literally: Where there are six cooks, there's nothing to eat.

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