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  What it means

  “He who gives and takes back wallows in hell.” Taking back a gift is considered deeply shameful — worse than never giving at all.

  English equivalent

  Indian giver.

  Vocabulary

  • dawać — to give
  • odbierać — to take back, to reclaim
  • piekło — hell
  • poniewierać się — to wallow, to be tossed about miserably

  Grammar note

  'Ten się poniewiera' — 'ten' is a demonstrative pronoun referring back to 'kto'. 'W piekle' is locative of 'piekło'.

  Cultural context

  One of the most commonly quoted Polish proverbs, often said by children when someone takes back a gift or favour.

  Beginner

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