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  What it means

  “When there are no fish, even a crayfish counts as a fish.” When you can’t get what you really want, you make do with whatever is available. Beggars can’t be choosers.

  English equivalent

  Beggars can't be choosers. / Half a loaf is better than none.

  Vocabulary

  • bezrybie — lack of fish, fishless waters
  • rak — crayfish, crab
  • ryba — fish

  Grammar note

  'Na bezrybiu' uses the locative of 'bezrybie' after 'na'. 'Rak ryba' is a nominal predicate with the verb 'jest' omitted.

  Cultural context

  Crayfish were historically plentiful in Polish rivers and eaten as a cheaper substitute for fish, especially during Lent.

  Beginner

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