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  What it means

  Trying to please two opposing sides at once — God and the devil. Said of someone who hedges their bets morally or politically, playing both sides to avoid committing to either.

  English equivalent

  To run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.

  Vocabulary

  • lichtarz — candlestick, candelabra
  • diabeł — devil
  • świeczka — candle

  Grammar note

  Dative constructions: 'Panu Bogu' (to the Lord God) and 'diabłu' (to the devil) are both dative, indicating the recipients.

  Cultural context

  Reflects the Catholic moral framework deeply embedded in Polish culture, where loyalty to God was expected to be absolute.

  Intermediate

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