Signification
to work very hard
Contexte culturel
The idiom is often used in the context of 'czyn społeczny' (social deed) or historical rebuilding efforts, where collective hard work was a matter of national survival. In Polish sports media, this phrase is the go-to description for a 'gritty' performance, especially when a team is technically weaker but wins through sheer effort. Polish universities are known for rigorous 'sesja' (exam periods). Students frequently use this idiom to describe the mental toll of studying. The imagery of 'squeezing' is linked to traditional agriculture, such as pressing hay or extracting oil, reflecting Poland's agrarian roots.
Use with 'z siebie'
To sound like a native speaker when talking about your own achievements, always use 'wycisnąć z siebie'. It shows self-discipline.
Don't over-pluralize
While 'poty' is plural, 'siódme' must also be plural to match it. Never say 'siódmy poty'.
Signification
to work very hard
Use with 'z siebie'
To sound like a native speaker when talking about your own achievements, always use 'wycisnąć z siebie'. It shows self-discipline.
Don't over-pluralize
While 'poty' is plural, 'siódme' must also be plural to match it. Never say 'siódmy poty'.
Sports Commentary
If you watch Polish football or volleyball, listen for this phrase. It's the most common way commentators describe a high-intensity match.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom in the correct form.
Trener był bardzo wymagający i wycisnął _______ nas siódme _______.
The idiom requires the preposition 'z' and the plural noun 'poty'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a reflexive sense?
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
'Wycisnąć z siebie' is the correct reflexive form meaning to push oneself.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the idiom.
Sytuacja: Przygotowujesz się do bardzo trudnego maratonu i trenujesz 6 razy w tygodniu.
You can push yourself (A) or the event can push you (C).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jak ci idzie nauka polskiego? B: Ciężko! Ten kurs ____________________.
The course is the subject that 'squeezes' the effort out of 'me' (ze mnie).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTrener był bardzo wymagający i wycisnął _______ nas siódme _______.
The idiom requires the preposition 'z' and the plural noun 'poty'.
Wybierz poprawne zdanie:
'Wycisnąć z siebie' is the correct reflexive form meaning to push oneself.
Sytuacja: Przygotowujesz się do bardzo trudnego maratonu i trenujesz 6 razy w tygodniu.
You can push yourself (A) or the event can push you (C).
A: Jak ci idzie nauka polskiego? B: Ciężko! Ten kurs ____________________.
The course is the subject that 'squeezes' the effort out of 'me' (ze mnie).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's a standard idiom used to describe hard work. However, if used about a boss, it can imply they are very demanding.
Yes! It's very common to say a difficult exam or a complex project 'wycisnęło ze mnie siódme poty'.
'Wycisnąć' is for a specific event that happened once. 'Wyciskać' is for a habit or an ongoing process.
Seven is a symbolic number for completeness and the ultimate limit in Polish culture.
No, the number seven is fixed in this idiom. Changing it would make it lose its meaning.
Expressions liées
urabiać sobie ręce po łokcie
synonymTo work one's hands to the elbows.
dawać z siebie wszystko
similarTo give one's all.
lecieć z nóg
builds onTo be falling off one's feet.
nie oszczędzać się
similarTo not spare oneself.
