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  What it means

  Literally “to come out like Zabłocki on soap.” To come out badly in a deal or to lose money on a venture that was supposed to be profitable.

  Vocabulary

  • mydło — soap

  Grammar note

  Locative 'mydle' after 'na'.

  Cultural context

  Refers to a Polish nobleman, Zabłocki, who tried to smuggle soap on a boat to avoid customs duties. He hid it in the water, but the soap dissolved, and he lost everything.

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