The words of Poland

Poland — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Poland, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“A Pole is wise after the damage is done.”

Mądry Polak po szkodzie.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Without work there are no cakes.”

Bez pracy nie ma kołaczy.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Still water breaks the banks.”

Cicha woda brzegi rwie.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“A guest in the house, God in the house.”

Gość w dom, Bóg w dom.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Do not praise the day before sunset.”

Nie chwal dnia przed zachodem słońca.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“He who digs pits under others falls into them himself.”

Kto pod kim dołki kopie, sam w nie wpada.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Where there are six cooks, there is nothing to eat.”

Gdzie kucharek sześć, tam nie ma co jeść.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“True friends are recognized in adversity.”

Prawdziwych przyjaciół poznaje się w biedzie.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“What is to hang will not drown.”

Co ma wisieć, nie utonie.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“As you make your bed, so you will sleep in it.”

Jak sobie pościelesz, tak się wyśpisz.

Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition