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  What it means

  “Only fish don’t take (bribes).” A cynical observation that everyone can be bribed or persuaded — except fish. Used ironically to comment on corruption or human susceptibility to temptation.

  English equivalent

  Every man has his price.

  Vocabulary

  • tylko — only
  • ryba — fish
  • brać — to take

  Grammar note

  'Ryby' is the nominative plural of 'ryba'. 'Nie biorą' is the third-person plural present negation of 'brać'.

  Cultural context

  Often cited in discussions of corruption in Polish public life; the humour lies in the absurd exception made for fish.

  Intermediate

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