Signification
To have many options or freedom of action.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often used by Polish politicians during coalition negotiations to signal that they are open to different partners. In Polish startups, 'szerokie pole manewru' is a selling point for potential employees, suggesting a lack of corporate bureaucracy. The phrase reflects the Polish history of 'kombinowanie'—finding a way when there seems to be none. In Polish diplomatic language, this phrase is used to describe a country's sovereignty and its ability to act independently on the international stage.
Use it in Negations
Native speakers often use this phrase in the negative ('nie mieć pola manewru') to express frustration or lack of control. It sounds very authentic.
Case Change
Don't forget that 'pole' becomes 'pola' after 'nie'. This is the most common mistake for B1 learners.
Signification
To have many options or freedom of action.
Use it in Negations
Native speakers often use this phrase in the negative ('nie mieć pola manewru') to express frustration or lack of control. It sounds very authentic.
Case Change
Don't forget that 'pole' becomes 'pola' after 'nie'. This is the most common mistake for B1 learners.
Professionalism
This is a 'safe' idiom. You can use it with your boss, a client, or a government official without fear of being too informal.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Nie mamy już szerokiego ______ manewru.
Because the sentence is negated ('nie mamy'), the noun 'pole' must be in the Genitive case, which is 'pola'.
Which adjective is most idiomatic for this phrase?
Szef dał mi ______ pole manewru.
The standard idiomatic adjective for this phrase is 'szerokie' (wide).
Match the situation to the phrase usage.
Which situation best fits 'mieć szerokie pole manewru'?
A large budget and no deadline provide maximum flexibility and options.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Czy możemy zmienić datę spotkania? B: Tak, mamy ______.
The ability to change a date implies flexibility, which is 'szerokie pole manewru'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNie mamy już szerokiego ______ manewru.
Because the sentence is negated ('nie mamy'), the noun 'pole' must be in the Genitive case, which is 'pola'.
Szef dał mi ______ pole manewru.
The standard idiomatic adjective for this phrase is 'szerokie' (wide).
Which situation best fits 'mieć szerokie pole manewru'?
A large budget and no deadline provide maximum flexibility and options.
A: Czy możemy zmienić datę spotkania? B: Tak, mamy ______.
The ability to change a date implies flexibility, which is 'szerokie pole manewru'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is understandable and used, but 'szerokie' is the more traditional and idiomatic choice.
Yes, especially in tactical sports like football or chess to describe a player's options.
The most direct opposite is 'nie mieć pola manewru' or 'mieć ograniczone pole manewru'.
Technically yes, but it sounds very military or technical. For a big room, just say 'dużo miejsca'.
In this specific idiom, yes. 'Szerokie pole manewrów' (plural) would refer to a literal military training ground.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's perfect for business and journalism.
Use the verb 'dawać' or 'zostawiać': 'Dawać komuś szerokie pole manewru'.
Yes, especially when discussing plans, money, or work.
No, 'wielkie' (great/huge) sounds very unnatural here.
It is typically introduced at the B1 level as learners move beyond basic 'I have/I want' sentences.
Expressions liées
mieć wolną rękę
synonymTo have a free hand / permission to act.
mieć pole do popisu
similarTo have a chance to show off one's skills.
mieć związane ręce
contrastTo have one's hands tied.
być pod ścianą
contrastTo be against the wall.
