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Calling a person a 'potato' (ziemniak/kartofel/burak)

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alijturner59	Jun 30, 10, 15:53 #31
Does anyone know is there a Polish expression that is equivalent to the English saying 'not the sharpest tool in the box?"

alexw68

Jun 30, 10, 16:02 #32

alijturner59:

Does anyone know is there a Polish expression that is equivalent to the English saying 'not the sharpest tool in the box?"

That kind of indirect, metaphoric humour is the exception in Polish. I did use the expression - loosely translated* - once in conversation with the in-laws and it got a laugh, they knew what was being said; but I wouldn't bet money on it being an authentic Polish turn of phrase.

* think it went like this: on nie najostrzejszy nożyk w szufladzie - 'He's not the sharpest knife in the drawer'

frdThreads: 8 Posts: 1,956 Joined: Feb 3, 09 ♂	Jun 30, 10, 17:41 #33
alexw68: Does anyone know is there a Polish expression that is equivalent to the English saying 'not the sharpest tool in the box?" "Jest bystry jak woda w kiblu" - vaguely similar ;)

alexw68	Jun 30, 10, 17:45 #34
frd: "Jest bystry jak woda w kiblu" - vaguely similar ;) Love it. Thanks, noted...

frdThreads: 8 Posts: 1,956 Joined: Feb 3, 09 ♂	Jun 30, 10, 17:56 #35
alexw68: Love it. Thanks, noted... oh sorry, of course I was quoting "alijturner59" ;)

alijturner59	Jul 2, 10, 13:02 #36
thanks frd - pls translate for a learner?! and thanks alexw68, that's interesting about the metaphor gag being english especially as i have come across some really fabulous similes such as eg for someone looking bemused - 'like a dog who's been shown a card trick' makes me laugh every time

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