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  What it means

  Literally “to be holier than the Pope.” Describes someone who is excessively pious, self-righteous, or moralistic — more Catholic than the Pope himself.

  Vocabulary

  • świętszy — holier (comparative of 'święty')
  • papież — Pope

  Grammar note

  'Od papieża' uses the genitive after 'od' in a comparative construction — 'holier than the Pope'.

  Cultural context

  A pointed expression in a country with deep Catholic roots. Used to mock excessive piety or moral posturing.

  Intermediate

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