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  What it means

  A rhyming, dismissive phrase for empty promises. Often followed by “…a głupiemu radość” (and joy for the fool). “Empty promises,” “fine words butter no parsnips.”

  Vocabulary

  • obiecanka — promise (diminutive/informal)
  • cacanka — trifle/toy (archaic/rhyming)

  Grammar note

  A reduplicated rhyming structure typical of Polish folk sayings.

  Intermediate

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