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  What it means

  “The devil doesn’t sleep.” Evil, mischief, or bad luck is always lurking and never rests. Used as a warning to stay vigilant, as trouble can strike at any moment.

  English equivalent

  The devil never sleeps.

  Vocabulary

  • licho — the devil, evil spirit, mischief
  • spać — to sleep

  Grammar note

  'Nie śpi' is the third-person singular present tense negation of 'spać' (to sleep).

  Cultural context

  'Licho' is a folk figure of evil or misfortune in Slavic tradition, less formal than 'diabeł' (devil).

  Beginner

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