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  What it means

  Literally “the end sanctifies the means.” The Polish equivalent of “the end justifies the means” — the idea that any method is acceptable if the goal is worthy.

  Vocabulary

  • cel — goal / end / aim
  • uświęcać — to sanctify / to justify
  • środki — means / methods (plural)

  Grammar note

  'Środki' is accusative plural — direct object of 'uświęca.' A classic subject-verb-object proverb structure.

  Cultural context

  Often attributed to Machiavelli or the Jesuits. Used both seriously and ironically in Polish discourse.

  Intermediate

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