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  What it means

  “He prays before a holy statue, yet has the devil under his skin.” Said of hypocrites who appear pious or virtuous in public but are wicked or dishonest in private.

  English equivalent

  The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.

  Vocabulary

  • modlić się — to pray
  • figura — holy statue, wayside shrine
  • diabeł — devil
  • skóra — skin

  Grammar note

  'Pod figurą' uses the instrumental case after 'pod' (location). 'Za skórą' uses the instrumental after 'za' in the sense of 'behind/under'.

  Cultural context

  Roadside shrines (figury) are a common feature of the Polish countryside. Praying at them was a mark of public piety, making the contrast with hidden wickedness especially sharp.

  Intermediate

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