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  What it means

  Literally “Madej’s bed.” Means a bed of nails, a place of torment — somewhere deeply uncomfortable, either physically or metaphorically. Used for any situation that is a prolonged ordeal.

  Vocabulary

  • Madej — Madej (a legendary Polish robber-knight)
  • łoże — bed / couch (literary)

  Grammar note

  'Madejowe' is a possessive adjective from 'Madej', agreeing with neuter 'łoże'.

  Cultural context

  From a Polish legend about the robber Madej, condemned to lie on a bed of snakes and thorns as punishment for his crimes. A uniquely Polish cultural reference.

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