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  What it means

  “The habit does not make the monk.” Outward appearance or clothing does not define a person’s true character or worth. Don’t judge by appearances.

  English equivalent

  The cowl does not make the monk. / Clothes don't make the man.

  Vocabulary

  • habit — monk's habit, robe
  • czynić — to make, to do
  • mnich — monk

  Grammar note

  'Habit' is the nominative subject. 'Mnicha' is the genitive after negation ('nie czyni' + genitive instead of accusative).

  Cultural context

  A proverb with roots in medieval monastic culture, widely known across European languages.

  Beginner

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