Signification
Women are resourceful in difficult situations.
Contexte culturel
The 'Matka Polka' (Polish Mother) is a central cultural figure. She is expected to be strong, resourceful, and capable of handling any crisis. This proverb is often used to validate this role. In Slavic myths, the 'Baba' (like Baba Jaga) was often more powerful and clever than the 'Czart' (Devil). The devil was often a comic figure who was easily tricked. In modern Polish offices, this phrase is sometimes used by women themselves to celebrate their problem-solving skills, reclaiming the word 'baba' with pride. In villages, this proverb is still used very literally to describe women who are 'harder' and more resilient than men in physical or social labor.
Use the Short Version
You can just say 'Gdzie diabeł nie może...' and people will know exactly what you mean. It sounds very natural.
Tone Matters
Say it with admiration, not sarcasm. If you sound annoyed, it might be taken as an insult to women's 'manipulation'.
Signification
Women are resourceful in difficult situations.
Use the Short Version
You can just say 'Gdzie diabeł nie może...' and people will know exactly what you mean. It sounds very natural.
Tone Matters
Say it with admiration, not sarcasm. If you sound annoyed, it might be taken as an insult to women's 'manipulation'.
The 'Baba' Word
In this proverb, 'baba' is fine. In other contexts, call women 'kobieta' to be safe.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words in the proverb.
Gdzie ______ nie może, tam ______ pośle.
The standard form is 'diabeł' and 'babę'.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation: A woman uses a credit card to open a locked door when the key is lost.
This is a classic 'impossible' problem solved by a woman's cleverness.
Choose the correct grammatical form.
Gdzie diabeł nie może, tam ______ pośle.
The verb 'posłać' requires the accusative case (babę).
Complete the dialogue.
Marek: 'Nie mogę odkręcić tej butelki!' Kasia: 'Daj, spróbuję przez ścierkę... O, proszę!' Marek: 'No tak, ______.'
Marek is acknowledging Kasia's simple but effective solution.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use this phrase
Success
- • Fixing things
- • Finding keys
- • Negotiating
Tone
- • Admiring
- • Informal
- • Playful
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGdzie ______ nie może, tam ______ pośle.
The standard form is 'diabeł' and 'babę'.
Situation: A woman uses a credit card to open a locked door when the key is lost.
This is a classic 'impossible' problem solved by a woman's cleverness.
Gdzie diabeł nie może, tam ______ pośle.
The verb 'posłać' requires the accusative case (babę).
Marek: 'Nie mogę odkręcić tej butelki!' Kasia: 'Daj, spróbuję przez ścierkę... O, proszę!' Marek: 'No tak, ______.'
Marek is acknowledging Kasia's simple but effective solution.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt depends. In modern Polish, it can be informal or slightly rude (like 'dame' or 'hag'). However, in proverbs, it's a traditional term that carries a sense of strength and folk wisdom.
Only if you have a very friendly, informal relationship. Otherwise, it's better to use more formal praise.
Not really. There isn't a common proverb that says 'Where the devil cannot, he sends a man.' This proverb specifically celebrates female resourcefulness.
In Polish folklore, the devil is the ultimate symbol of power and trickery. Saying a woman can do what he can't is the highest form of praise for her 'spryt' (cunning).
Some people might think so because it links women with the devil or uses an old-fashioned term. However, most Poles see it as a positive tribute to women's capability.
It's 'POSH-leh'. The 'ś' is a soft 'sh' sound made with the middle of your tongue.
It means 'there'. It's part of the 'Gdzie... tam...' (Where... there...) structure.
Yes, it's often used when a little girl shows surprising cleverness.
Yes, it's very common in Polish literature, from classic novels to modern crime fiction.
No! It means they are effective. The devil is just a benchmark for difficulty.
Expressions liées
Baba z wozu, koniom lżej
similarWhen a troublesome person leaves, things get easier.
Gdzie kucharek sześć, tam nie ma co jeść
similarToo many cooks spoil the broth.
Kobieta potrafi
synonymA woman can do it.
Sprytna jak lis
similarCunning as a fox.
