Meaning
To be reprimanded for something.
Cultural Background
In Polish schools, until the late 20th century, teachers had a much more authoritative role. While physical punishment was banned, the 'threat' of it remains in the language through idioms like this. Polish workplaces are becoming more Westernized, but direct, blunt criticism is still more common than in the US or UK. 'Dostać po uszach' is a standard way to describe a tough meeting. Grandparents in Poland often use this phrase to tease grandchildren or warn them in a semi-serious way. Polish journalists love this idiom because it's punchy and fits well in headlines about political defeats or economic downturns.
Use 'Oberwać' for intensity
If you want to sound more dramatic, use 'oberwać po uszach'. It sounds like the scolding was much more severe.
Watch the case!
Make sure to use 'uszach' (locative). If you say 'uszy' (accusative), it changes the meaning entirely.
Meaning
To be reprimanded for something.
Use 'Oberwać' for intensity
If you want to sound more dramatic, use 'oberwać po uszach'. It sounds like the scolding was much more severe.
Watch the case!
Make sure to use 'uszach' (locative). If you say 'uszy' (accusative), it changes the meaning entirely.
Self-deprecation
Using this about yourself makes you sound humble and relatable. It shows you can take a joke/criticism.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Jeśli nie oddasz książki do biblioteki na czas, na pewno ______ po ______.
The correct form is 'dostać po uszach'.
Which situation best fits the idiom 'dostać po uszach'?
W której sytuacji użyjesz tego idiomu?
The idiom refers to being criticized or reprimanded.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the idiom.
A: Dlaczego Marek jest taki smutny? B: Bo wczoraj ______ od trenera za słabą grę.
We need the past tense (perfective) because it happened yesterday.
Match the person to why they might 'dostać po uszach'.
Połącz osoby z powodem kary:
All these people can be reprimanded (dostać po uszach) in their respective contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Intensity of Scolding
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeśli nie oddasz książki do biblioteki na czas, na pewno ______ po ______.
The correct form is 'dostać po uszach'.
W której sytuacji użyjesz tego idiomu?
The idiom refers to being criticized or reprimanded.
A: Dlaczego Marek jest taki smutny? B: Bo wczoraj ______ od trenera za słabą grę.
We need the past tense (perfective) because it happened yesterday.
Połącz osoby z powodem kary:
All these people can be reprimanded (dostać po uszach) in their respective contexts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it's informal but not vulgar. You can use it with friends, family, and even colleagues.
Only if you have a very close, casual relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, use 'otrzymać upomnienie'.
'Oberwać' is stronger and more informal. It's like 'to get slammed' vs 'to get scolded'.
Yes, in this idiom, it is always 'uszach' (plural).
Yes! 'Dostać po nosie' means to be humbled or to have one's pride hurt. It's a similar but distinct idiom.
99% of the time, no. It is almost always figurative in modern Polish.
You would say 'Dałem mu po uszach' or 'Zmyłem mu głowę'.
Very often! It describes a team being dominated or losing by a large margin.
The most formal equivalent is 'zostać pociągniętym do odpowiedzialności' (to be held accountable).
Yes, children use it to talk about teachers or parents.
Yes, 'dostać po łapach' means to be punished for touching or taking something.
In Polish, 'po' + locative often describes hitting or moving over a surface area.
Related Phrases
zmyć komuś głowę
synonymTo give someone a thorough scolding.
dostać burę
synonymTo get a scolding.
dostać po łapach
similarTo be punished for interfering or stealing.
mieć kogoś/czegoś powyżej uszu
contrastTo be fed up with someone/something.
zakochany po uszy
builds onDeeply in love.
