Meaning
to work together secretly to do something
Cultural Background
The 'zmowa milczenia' (conspiracy of silence) is a powerful concept in Polish history, often used to describe how communities protected themselves from occupiers by never speaking to the authorities. In modern Polish offices, 'być w zmowie' is often used to describe 'układy' (informal networks of influence) that can make it hard for outsiders to get promoted. In old tales, animals are often 'w zmowie' against a human character, showing that even nature can have secret agreements.
Use it for pranks
Don't be afraid to use this phrase playfully. It's very common when friends are planning a surprise.
Grammar Alert
Always remember the locative case 'zmowie'. Saying 'w zmowa' is a very common beginner mistake.
Meaning
to work together secretly to do something
Use it for pranks
Don't be afraid to use this phrase playfully. It's very common when friends are planning a surprise.
Grammar Alert
Always remember the locative case 'zmowie'. Saying 'w zmowa' is a very common beginner mistake.
The 'z' connection
If you want to sound like a native, use 'z' + instrumental to name the accomplices immediately.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'zmowa'.
Policja uważa, że złodzieje byli w _______ z ochroniarzem.
After the preposition 'w', we use the locative case: 'zmowie'.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Select the correct sentence:
This is a correct use of the phrase for a secret (even if positive) cooperation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dlaczego nikt nie chce mi powiedzieć, co się stało? B: To proste. Wszyscy są w _______.
'Zmowa milczenia' specifically refers to everyone refusing to speak about a topic.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesPolicja uważa, że złodzieje byli w _______ z ochroniarzem.
After the preposition 'w', we use the locative case: 'zmowie'.
Select the correct sentence:
This is a correct use of the phrase for a secret (even if positive) cooperation.
A: Dlaczego nikt nie chce mi powiedzieć, co się stało? B: To proste. Wszyscy są w _______.
'Zmowa milczenia' specifically refers to everyone refusing to speak about a topic.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsUsually, yes, but it can be used playfully for surprises or family secrets.
Only if you want to imply the partnership is illegal or unethical.
'Spisek' is more formal and often involves politics or high-stakes plots. 'Zmowa' is more common in daily life.
The term is 'zmowa cenowa'.
Related Phrases
zmowa milczenia
specialized formConspiracy of silence
zmówić się
builds onTo conspire/agree secretly
spisek
synonymPlot/Conspiracy
trzymać sztamę
similarTo stick together
