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  What it means

  “A son is not answerable for his father, only for himself.” Each person is responsible for their own actions. You should not be judged or punished for what your parents or ancestors did.

  English equivalent

  The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father.

  Vocabulary

  • wisieć — to hang; here figuratively: to be answerable, to be liable
  • syn — son
  • ojciec — father

  Grammar note

  'Za ojca' and 'za siebie' both use the accusative after 'za' in the sense of 'for, on behalf of'. 'Sam' emphasises 'only himself'.

  Cultural context

  The verb 'wisieć' (to hang) carries a literal echo of hanging as punishment, giving the proverb a stark, legal flavour.

  Intermediate

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