Bedeutung
Doing things too fast is bad.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'devil' in Polish proverbs is often a comic figure rather than a terrifying one. This reflects a history of folk tales where peasants outsmarted the devil. Despite Poland's strong Catholic roots, this proverb is secular. It uses religious imagery to convey common-sense wisdom about work and patience. In the post-1989 capitalist era, there is a conflict between the traditional 'co nagle, to po diable' and the new 'time is money' pressure. Many Polish dishes (like bigos or pierogi) require hours of preparation. This proverb is the unofficial motto of the Polish kitchen.
Use it to decline a rush job
If a boss asks for something impossible in 5 minutes, saying 'Co nagle, to po diable' is a culturally acceptable way to argue for more time.
Don't over-use it
If you say it every time you are asked to do something, you might seem lazy rather than cautious.
Bedeutung
Doing things too fast is bad.
Use it to decline a rush job
If a boss asks for something impossible in 5 minutes, saying 'Co nagle, to po diable' is a culturally acceptable way to argue for more time.
Don't over-use it
If you say it every time you are asked to do something, you might seem lazy rather than cautious.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the proverb with the missing words.
Co ____, to po ____.
The correct fixed form is 'nagle' and 'diable'.
In which situation is it MOST appropriate to say 'Co nagle, to po diable'?
Select the best context:
The proverb is a warning against rushing important decisions or tasks where quality matters.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Chcę skończyć ten raport w 5 minut, więc nie będę go sprawdzać.' Speaker B: '...'
Speaker B should use the proverb to warn Speaker A about potential mistakes.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to say 'Co nagle, to po diable'
Good Contexts
- • Cooking
- • Homework
- • DIY
- • Investing
Bad Contexts
- • Fire
- • Choking
- • Racing
- • Emergency
Aufgabensammlung
3 AufgabenCo ____, to po ____.
The correct fixed form is 'nagle' and 'diable'.
Select the best context:
The proverb is a warning against rushing important decisions or tasks where quality matters.
Speaker A: 'Chcę skończyć ten raport w 5 minut, więc nie będę go sprawdzać.' Speaker B: '...'
Speaker B should use the proverb to warn Speaker A about potential mistakes.
🎉 Ergebnis: /3
Häufig gestellte Fragen
3 FragenNo, it's a secular proverb. While it mentions the devil, it's used by everyone regardless of their faith.
Yes, but it's better to use it in a slightly informal or friendly business context. In very formal reports, use 'Pośpiech jest złym doradcą'.
In this specific idiom, 'po' means 'in the manner of' or 'belonging to', which is an older use of the preposition.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Gdzie się człowiek spieszy, tam się diabeł cieszy
synonymWhere a man hurries, the devil rejoices.
Pośpiech jest złym doradcą
synonymHaste is a bad advisor.
Spiesz się powoli
similarHurry slowly.
Jak na gorących węglach
contrastLike on hot coals.
