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  What it means

  Literally “to fear something like the devil fears holy water.” Means to be terrified of something and avoid it at all costs.

  Vocabulary

  • bać się — to be afraid / to fear
  • diabeł — devil
  • święcona woda — holy water

  Grammar note

  'Jak' introduces the comparison. 'Święconej wody' is the genitive of 'święcona woda' — 'bać się' takes the genitive of what is feared.

  Cultural context

  Poland's Catholic heritage makes this image immediately vivid. The phrase is used for any strong, almost irrational avoidance — not just religious contexts.

  Beginner

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