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  What it means

  Literally “to lay one’s ears back along oneself.” Means to cower, to shrink back submissively — like a dog flattening its ears when scolded. To become meek and quiet after being put in one’s place.

  Vocabulary

  • kłaść — to place / to lay (imperfective)
  • uszy — ears (plural of 'ucho')
  • po sobie — along oneself / flat against oneself

  Grammar note

  'Uszy' is the accusative plural — direct object of 'kłaść'. 'Po sobie' uses the locative of the reflexive pronoun.

  Cultural context

  The image comes from animal behaviour — a dog or wolf flattening its ears in submission. Used for people who suddenly become very quiet and obedient.

  Intermediate

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