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  What it means

  Even the best craftsmen or the most sophisticated place cannot make something good out of poor raw material. Quality of the result depends on quality of the input.

  English equivalent

  You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.

  Vocabulary

  • Paryż — Paris
  • gówno — shit (vulgar)
  • ryż — rice

  Grammar note

  Negation with 'nie' before the verb. 'Z gówna' is the genitive after 'zrobić z' (to make from).

  Cultural context

  Paris is used as a symbol of sophistication and excellence. The vulgarity makes the point bluntly and memorably.

  Intermediate

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