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  What it means

  Literally “original sin.” The theological concept of the sin inherited by all humans from Adam and Eve. Used figuratively for a fundamental, founding flaw in a system, institution, or plan that taints everything that follows.

  Vocabulary

  • grzech — sin
  • pierworodny — firstborn, original (adjective)

  Grammar note

  'Pierworodny' is a masculine nominative adjective agreeing with 'grzech', derived from 'pierworodny' (firstborn).

  Cultural context

  A central concept in Polish Catholic culture. The figurative use is common in political and social commentary — a bad founding decision is often called the 'grzech pierworodny' of a project or institution.

  Intermediate

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