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  What it means

  “Marcin taught Marcin, yet he himself is as stupid as a pig.” Used to mock someone who presumes to teach others while being ignorant themselves. The repetition of the name underlines the absurdity.

  English equivalent

  The pot calling the kettle black. / Physician, heal thyself.

  Vocabulary

  • uczyć — to teach
  • głupi — stupid, foolish
  • świnia — pig
  • sam — himself, alone

  Grammar note

  'Uczył' is the masculine past tense of 'uczyć'. 'Głupi jak świnia' — 'jak' introduces a comparison; 'świnia' is nominative after 'jak'.

  Cultural context

  The name Marcin (Martin) is used generically for an ordinary man. The pig comparison is a strong folk insult.

  Intermediate

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