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  What it means

  Literally “nutcracker.” Can mean the actual kitchen tool, but also used figuratively to describe someone or something that looks impressive or intimidating but is ultimately harmless or ineffective.

  Vocabulary

  • dziadek — grandfather, old man
  • orzechy — nuts (plural of 'orzech')

  Grammar note

  'Do orzechów' uses the genitive plural after 'do', indicating purpose — a device *for* nuts.

  Cultural context

  Also the title of Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, well known in Poland as 'Dziadek do orzechów'.

  Beginner

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