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  What it means

  Literally “to have a black palate.” Means to have a sharp, biting tongue — to say things that hurt or bring bad luck, as if your words are darkened and poisoned.

  Vocabulary

  • mieć — to have
  • czarny — black
  • podniebienie — palate (roof of the mouth)

  Grammar note

  'Czarne podniebienie' is the accusative — direct object of 'mieć'. 'Czarne' agrees with neuter 'podniebienie'.

  Cultural context

  In Polish folk belief, a black palate was a sign that someone's words carried a curse or ill omen. Used today for people whose predictions always seem to come true negatively.

  Intermediate

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