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  What it means

  Literally “by God and truth.” An emphatic phrase meaning honestly, truthfully, in all sincerity — used to introduce a candid admission or frank statement. Example: “Bogiem a prawdą, nie wiem co robić” — honestly, I don’t know what to do.

  Vocabulary

  • Bóg — God
  • prawda — truth

  Grammar note

  'Bogiem' and 'prawdą' are both instrumental — a fixed archaic construction invoking God and truth as witnesses. Functions as a sentence adverb.

  Cultural context

  An old-fashioned but still living expression. Its slightly formal, solemn tone makes it useful for sincere admissions.

  Intermediate

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