Significado
Causing harm to someone behind their back.
Contexto cultural
In Polish corporate culture, 'robić koło pióra' is often discussed in the context of 'wyścig szczurów' (the rat race). It reflects a high level of competitiveness in some sectors. The concept of 'honor' (honor) is historically vital. Sabotaging someone's 'honor' was once grounds for a duel. Today, it's grounds for a HR complaint. Poles use this phrase frequently on platforms like X (Twitter) to describe political maneuvering and 'cancel culture' attempts. In Polish universities, the phrase is sometimes used to describe the cutthroat nature of obtaining grants or titles.
Use the Dative!
Always remember to use 'mi', 'ci', 'mu', 'jej' etc. Using 'mnie' or 'ciebie' sounds wrong here.
Informal Only
Never use this in a formal meeting with your boss unless you have a very close relationship.
Significado
Causing harm to someone behind their back.
Use the Dative!
Always remember to use 'mi', 'ci', 'mu', 'jej' etc. Using 'mnie' or 'ciebie' sounds wrong here.
Informal Only
Never use this in a formal meeting with your boss unless you have a very close relationship.
The 'U' Preposition
To say WHO they talked to, use 'u' + person in Genitive. E.g., 'u szefa', 'u mamy'.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the person (Dative case).
Marek jest zazdrosny i chce ______ (ja) zrobić koło pióra.
The idiom requires the Dative case. 'Mi' is the short Dative form of 'ja'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'zrobić komuś koło pióra'?
A) Helping a friend with their homework. B) Telling the boss a lie about a colleague to get their job. C) Buying a gift for a teacher.
The idiom means to secretly harm someone's reputation or position.
Complete the dialogue.
Kasia: 'Słyszałeś? Adam stracił pracę.' Tomek: 'Tak, podobno ktoś mu ______.'
The correct form is 'zrobić' (past tense 'zrobił') + 'koło pióra' (Genitive).
Match the phrase to the intent.
Match 'zrobić koło pióra' with its goal.
The idiom is used when the intent is to harm someone's standing.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMarek jest zazdrosny i chce ______ (ja) zrobić koło pióra.
The idiom requires the Dative case. 'Mi' is the short Dative form of 'ja'.
A) Helping a friend with their homework. B) Telling the boss a lie about a colleague to get their job. C) Buying a gift for a teacher.
The idiom means to secretly harm someone's reputation or position.
Kasia: 'Słyszałeś? Adam stracił pracę.' Tomek: 'Tak, podobno ktoś mu ______.'
The correct form is 'zrobić' (past tense 'zrobił') + 'koło pióra' (Genitive).
Match 'zrobić koło pióra' with its goal.
The idiom is used when the intent is to harm someone's standing.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasNo, while the words suggest it, the idiom is 100% figurative today. It always refers to social or professional harm.
It's informal and negative, but not a swear word. It's safe to use with friends.
Absolutely not. It always implies harm or sabotage.
'Robić' is for an ongoing process of sabotage, 'zrobić' is for a completed act.
Yes, if you accidentally sabotaged your own reputation: 'Sam sobie zrobiłem koło pióra'.
Frases relacionadas
podłożyć komuś świnię
similarTo play a dirty trick on someone.
szyć komuś buty
synonymTo plot against someone.
obrobić komuś tyłek
similarTo gossip about someone.
kopć pod kimś dołki
similarTo undermine someone.
