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  What it means

  Literally “the ugly duckling.” Refers to someone who is overlooked or underestimated but later turns out to be exceptional.

  Vocabulary

  • brzydki — ugly
  • kaczątko — duckling

  Grammar note

  'Kaczątko' is a diminutive of 'kaczka' (duck), formed with the suffix '-ątko.' Neuter gender.

  Cultural context

  From Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, universally known in Poland. Used both literally and figuratively.

  Beginner

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