Meaning
Being very close to a result.
Cultural Background
In Polish media, this phrase is often used with a sense of 'national hope' or 'national tragedy' due to Poland's history of nearly regaining independence multiple times before 1918. Polish football fans use this phrase with a hint of irony, as the national team is famously 'o krok' from success but often fails at the last moment. In the booming Polish tech scene, being 'o krok od jednorożca' (one step from being a unicorn) is a common way to describe successful startups. Classic Polish novelists like Bolesław Prus used this phrase to describe the psychological tension of characters facing moral dilemmas.
The 'O' is key
Never forget the 'o'. Saying 'Jestem krok od' is understandable but sounds like a direct translation from English.
Case Alert
Always check your Genitive endings. This is where most C1 students lose points in exams.
Meaning
Being very close to a result.
The 'O' is key
Never forget the 'o'. Saying 'Jestem krok od' is understandable but sounds like a direct translation from English.
Case Alert
Always check your Genitive endings. This is where most C1 students lose points in exams.
Drama Level
Use this phrase to add a bit of 'flair' to your stories. Poles love a bit of dramatic tension!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the word in brackets (Genitive case).
Jesteśmy o krok od ________ (zwycięstwo).
The word 'zwycięstwo' is neuter; its Genitive form is 'zwycięstwa'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'He was on the verge of tears'?
Wybierz poprawną odpowiedź:
'Płaczu' is the Genitive form of 'płacz' (crying).
Match the situation to the most likely use of the phrase.
Dopasuj sytuację:
The phrase is used for significant breakthroughs (A) or disasters (C), not trivial movements (B).
Complete the dialogue.
Marek: 'Czy zdasz ten egzamin?' Ania: 'Tak, czuję, że jestem o...'
The phrase is 'o krok' (Accusative after 'o' in this context of measure).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJesteśmy o krok od ________ (zwycięstwo).
The word 'zwycięstwo' is neuter; its Genitive form is 'zwycięstwa'.
Wybierz poprawną odpowiedź:
'Płaczu' is the Genitive form of 'płacz' (crying).
Dopasuj sytuację:
The phrase is used for significant breakthroughs (A) or disasters (C), not trivial movements (B).
Marek: 'Czy zdasz ten egzamin?' Ania: 'Tak, czuję, że jestem o...'
The phrase is 'o krok' (Accusative after 'o' in this context of measure).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it sounds slightly poetic. For everyday directions, use 'blisko' or 'niedaleko'.
It is always 'od'. Think of it as being one step away *from* the thing.
You can, but it's much less common. 'O krok' is the fixed idiom for 'almost'.
It's neutral. You can use it in a newspaper article or with your friends.
'O włos' (by a hair) is much closer and usually used for negative things like accidents.
No, you must use a noun or a verbal noun (e.g., 'od wygrania' instead of 'od wygrać').
Very. It's used to describe being close to closing a deal or finishing a project.
O krok ode mnie.
Indirectly, yes. 'Jesteśmy o krok od weekendu' (We are one step from the weekend).
Extremely. It's a very 'Polish' way to express proximity.
Related Phrases
o włos od
similarBy a hair's breadth
na progu
similarOn the threshold
w zasięgu ręki
synonymWithin arm's reach
o rzut beretem
specialized formA stone's throw away
