Signification
To discourage someone or limit their potential.
Contexte culturel
In the Polish education system, there is a long-standing debate about 'podcinanie skrzydeł.' Many critics argue that the focus on mistakes rather than achievements in schools effectively 'podcina skrzydła' young Poles. In modern Polish startups, 'nie podcinajmy sobie skrzydeł' is a common mantra to encourage risk-taking and avoid the traditional Polish pessimism. The metaphor of flight is central to Polish Romanticism. Authors like Słowacki often used bird imagery to describe the soul's struggle, making this idiom feel 'literary' even in casual speech.
Use the Dative!
Always remember: podciąć MI, podciąć MU. Using 'moje' makes you sound like a translation app.
Don't overdo it
This is a strong idiom. If you use it for every little problem, it loses its poetic power.
Signification
To discourage someone or limit their potential.
Use the Dative!
Always remember: podciąć MI, podciąć MU. Using 'moje' makes you sound like a translation app.
Don't overdo it
This is a strong idiom. If you use it for every little problem, it loses its poetic power.
The Antonym
If you want to be positive, use 'dodać komuś skrzydeł' (to give someone wings). It's the perfect way to compliment a supportive friend.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'podciąć' and the correct pronoun.
Twoja ostatnia uwaga naprawdę _______ (ja) skrzydła.
The subject is 'uwaga' (feminine singular), so the verb must be 'podcięła'. The person affected must be in the Dative (mi).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a professional context?
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
Option A is contradictory (a raise is encouraging). Option C is literal and cruel. Option B correctly uses the idiom to show limited potential.
Match the situation with the likely result.
Połącz sytuację z efektem:
Harsh criticism is the primary cause of 'podcięte skrzydła'.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesTwoja ostatnia uwaga naprawdę _______ (ja) skrzydła.
The subject is 'uwaga' (feminine singular), so the verb must be 'podcięła'. The person affected must be in the Dative (mi).
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
Option A is contradictory (a raise is encouraging). Option C is literal and cruel. Option B correctly uses the idiom to show limited potential.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Harsh criticism is the primary cause of 'podcięte skrzydła'.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes! 'Czuję się, jakby ktoś podciął mi skrzydła' is a very natural way to express deep discouragement.
It's neutral-to-formal. You can use it with friends, but also in a newspaper article or a business meeting.
'Podciąć' is for a specific event (e.g., one bad comment), while 'podcinać' is for a long-term process (e.g., a toxic environment).
Expressions liées
rozwinąć skrzydła
contrastTo spread one's wings / to reach one's full potential.
podcinać gałąź, na której się siedzi
similarTo act against one's own interests.
odebrać komuś chęć do życia
similarTo take away someone's will to live/act.
dodać komuś skrzydeł
builds onTo give someone wings / to inspire someone.
