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  What it means

  “A candle for God, a stub for the devil.” Trying to please everyone — or hedging between good and evil. Said of someone who plays both sides, giving something to each.

  English equivalent

  To run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.

  Vocabulary

  • świeczka — candle
  • diabeł — devil
  • ogarek — candle stub, burnt-down candle end

  Grammar note

  'Bogu' and 'diabłu' are both datives. The contrast between 'świeczka' (a proper candle) and 'ogarek' (a mere stub) implies the devil gets the lesser offering.

  Cultural context

  Candles were central to Catholic worship; giving a stub to the devil rather than a full candle suggests insincere or token appeasement.

  Intermediate

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