Every language has its specific expressions which are pretty difficult to understand abroad. Polish is not an exception in this field. Just have a look at some (funny) examples:

Image by PolandMFA on Flickr.com

Wypchaj się sianem – “stuff yourself with straw” (get lost)

Wziąć coś na ząb – snack on something

Owijać prawdę w bawełnę – wrap the truth in cotton (in English, you’d say that you’re out of sorts, queasy, or upset. In Polish, you’re not in the sauce, which means that you’re in a very bad mood)

Szukać dziury w całym – looking for a hole in the whole (looking for excuses)

A jedzie mi tu pociąg/czołg? – Do I have a train / tank riding here? (it is a great reply when someone tells you something totally unbelievable)

Już po ptakach – It’s after the birds (it’s too late, and nothing can be done about the situation)

Ręce opadają – Hands are dropping (this is used to describe situations that are basically hopeless. It’s when you surrender, lose all hope, just give up. It’s similar to the English expression, “To throw one’s hands in the air”)

Być w proszku – to be in powder (if you’re expecting guests and they arrive 10 minutes early while you’re still in the shower, well then you’re still in powder, which means you are unprepared or not yet ready for something.)

Bez dwóch zdań – Without two sentences (if something is without two sentences, it means it is without a doubt, or without unnecessary discussion. For example, without two sentences, traveling is a great way to learn about other cultures.)

Czuć miętę do kogoś – To feel mint for someone (If you’re feeling mint for someone, it means you’re attracted to them, or just simply have a crush on them)

Rzucać grochem o ścianę – throw peas onto a wall (If you’re trying to persuade someone, or explaining something to someone who won’t budge or even listen to you, then you’re throwing peas onto a wall)

Być nie w sosie – to be not in the sauce (In English, you’d say that you’re out of sorts, queasy, or upset. In Polish, you’re not in the sauce, which means that you’re in a very bad mood)

Till next time! Do następnego razu…