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  What it means

  Literally “wheel of fortune.” The ancient symbol of fate’s unpredictability — fortune raises some up and brings others down as the wheel turns. Used both literally (the TV game show) and figuratively.

  Vocabulary

  • koło — wheel, circle
  • fortuna — fortune, fate, luck

  Grammar note

  'Fortuny' is the genitive of 'fortuna' — genitive of possession (wheel of fortune).

  Cultural context

  The Wheel of Fortune (Rota Fortunae) is a medieval concept that entered Polish culture through Latin learning. Also the name of a popular Polish TV game show.

  Intermediate

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