ProverbHuman NaturePolish origin

Szlachcic na zagrodzie równy wojewodzie

Meaning: On your own property you are as good as anyone, however powerful.

Literally: A nobleman on his own farm is the equal of a governor

Example: “Na swojej działce to ja decyduję. Szlachcic na zagrodzie równy wojewodzie.” — On my own plot I'm the one who decides: a man's home is his castle.

Equivalents in English, French, Spanish, and German

  • English: A man's home is his castle
  • French: Charbonnier est maître chez soi (literally: The charcoal burner is master in his own home)
  • Spanish: Cada uno es rey en su casa (literally: Each man is king in his own house)
  • German: Mein Haus ist meine Burg (literally: My house is my castle)

Origin: It expresses the ideal of equality among the Polish nobility: even the poorest noble, on his small farm, considered himself the equal of a provincial governor, a wojewoda. The rhyme of zagrodzie and wojewodzie seals it.

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