뜻
not to ruin your own support base
문화적 배경
In Poland, this idiom is frequently used in political debates to accuse opponents of 'acting against the national interest' or destroying the economy. In the modern Polish workplace, 'podcinanie gałęzi' is often associated with 'Janusz biznesu'—a term for a boss who makes short-sighted, greedy decisions. The phrase retains a strong connection to its literal roots in rural areas, where forestry and woodcutting are common occupations. University professors use this to warn students about academic dishonesty, which 'cuts the branch' of their future reputation.
Use the Perfective for Results
If you want to emphasize that the damage is already done, use 'podciąć' (e.g., 'Podciął gałąź').
Don't use with 'w'
Always use 'na której', never 'w której'. This is a hallmark of a non-native speaker.
뜻
not to ruin your own support base
Use the Perfective for Results
If you want to emphasize that the damage is already done, use 'podciąć' (e.g., 'Podciął gałąź').
Don't use with 'w'
Always use 'na której', never 'w której'. This is a hallmark of a non-native speaker.
Irony is Key
This phrase is often used with a touch of 'czarny humor' (black humor) in Poland.
셀프 테스트
Uzupełnij zdanie odpowiednim słowem w odpowiedniej formie.
Nie powinieneś krytykować firmy w internecie. To tak, jakbyś podcinał ________, na której siedzisz.
The verb 'podcinać' requires the Accusative case (Biernik). The Accusative of 'gałąź' is 'gałąź'.
Wybierz najlepszą interpretację przysłowia.
Co oznacza 'podcinać gałąź, na której się siedzi'?
This is the figurative meaning of the idiom.
Dopasuj sytuację do przysłowia.
W której sytuacji użyjesz tego przysłowia?
The employee is destroying their own source of income.
Uzupełnij dialog.
A: Myślę o tym, żeby przestać płacić za ten kurs, ale nadal chcę dostawać certyfikat. B: Uważaj, ________________.
The person wants the benefit without the support/payment, which will lead to losing the benefit.
🎉 점수: /4
시각 학습 자료
연습 문제 은행
4 연습 문제Nie powinieneś krytykować firmy w internecie. To tak, jakbyś podcinał ________, na której siedzisz.
The verb 'podcinać' requires the Accusative case (Biernik). The Accusative of 'gałąź' is 'gałąź'.
Co oznacza 'podcinać gałąź, na której się siedzi'?
This is the figurative meaning of the idiom.
W której sytuacji użyjesz tego przysłowia?
The employee is destroying their own source of income.
A: Myślę o tym, żeby przestać płacić za ten kurs, ale nadal chcę dostawać certyfikat. B: Uważaj, ________________.
The person wants the benefit without the support/payment, which will lead to losing the benefit.
🎉 점수: /4
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, it's a standard proverb. However, telling someone directly 'Podcinasz gałąź...' is a strong critique of their intelligence.
Yes, if you are warning a colleague or client about a risky strategy, but keep it professional.
'Podcinać' is more general (to cut), while 'piłować' specifically means to saw, implying a slower, more deliberate process.
Sometimes people just say 'podcinać gałąź pod sobą' (to cut the branch under oneself).
Not really. It's reserved for mistakes that threaten your fundamental support or livelihood.
Both. A company, a government, or a single person can all 'podcinać gałąź'.
Very. You will see it in news headlines almost every week.
The Locative (Miejscownik) case, because it describes a static position on the branch.
You can, but 'podcinać' is the idiomatic standard. 'Ciąć' sounds a bit too literal.
Yes, 'działać na własną szkodę' (to act to one's own detriment).
관련 표현
kręcić na siebie bicz
similarTo prepare a whip for oneself (to create a problem for yourself).
strzelić sobie w stopę
synonymTo shoot oneself in the foot.
pluć sobie w brodę
contrastTo regret something deeply.
rzucić kłody pod nogi
contrastTo put logs under someone's feet (to sabotage someone else).
