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  What it means

  “Even Hercules is helpless when there’s a crowd against him.” No matter how strong or capable a person is, they cannot overcome a large group. Numbers beat individual strength.

  English equivalent

  Even Hercules cannot contend against two.

  Vocabulary

  • Herkules — Hercules
  • dupa — ass, useless (vulgar; here means 'is helpless/worthless')
  • kupa — heap, crowd (colloquial); also 'pile' (vulgar)

  Grammar note

  A nominal sentence. The rhyme 'dupa / kupa' is intentionally crude and humorous. 'Kiedy' here means 'when/if'.

  Cultural context

  The deliberate vulgarity of the rhyme is part of its folk humour. The message is serious; the delivery is earthy.

  Intermediate

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