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  What it means

  “From a strap to a horse.” A shortened form of the longer proverb about escalating theft. Used on its own to warn that small misdeeds grow into large ones.

  English equivalent

  Give him an inch and he'll take a mile.

  Vocabulary

  • rzemyczek — small strap, thong (diminutive of rzemień)
  • koniczek — little horse (diminutive of koń)

  Grammar note

  Both nouns are in the genitive after 'od' and 'do' respectively. The diminutives soften the tone while the meaning remains a serious warning.

  Cultural context

  This is the condensed, everyday version of the longer proverb 'Od łyczka do rzemyczka…'. Both forms are in active use.

  Beginner

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