Traditional proverbs of Poland in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.
Mądry Polak po szkodzie.
“A Pole is wise after the damage is done.”
People often only understand what they should have done after they have already suffered the consequences of not doing it.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Bez pracy nie ma kołaczy.
“Without work there are no cakes.”
Nothing worthwhile or rewarding is achieved without effort.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Cicha woda brzegi rwie.
“Still water breaks the banks.”
Quiet, unassuming people or forces can be surprisingly strong and effective.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Gość w dom, Bóg w dom.
“A guest in the house, God in the house.”
A guest should be welcomed and treated with the highest honour and hospitality.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Nie chwal dnia przed zachodem słońca.
“Do not praise the day before sunset.”
Do not celebrate a success before it is fully and finally achieved.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Kto pod kim dołki kopie, sam w nie wpada.
“He who digs pits under others falls into them himself.”
Those who scheme to harm others often end up harming themselves.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Gdzie kucharek sześć, tam nie ma co jeść.
“Where there are six cooks, there is nothing to eat.”
When too many people take charge of one task, the result is confusion and failure.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Prawdziwych przyjaciół poznaje się w biedzie.
“True friends are recognized in adversity.”
Genuine friendship is proven when times are hard, not when everything is easy.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Co ma wisieć, nie utonie.
“What is to hang will not drown.”
What fate has destined for a person cannot be avoided.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
Jak sobie pościelesz, tak się wyśpisz.
“As you make your bed, so you will sleep in it.”
You must live with the consequences of your own choices and actions.
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition