More of a mate or a buddy, kolega is closer to you than znajomy (acquaintance), but not close enough to be trusted with your secrets. Kolega is not a colleague, nor is he a friend ( przyjaciel). Remember, it is what you get that matters, not how you get it! Kolega
Sometimes, the word załatwić implies an intention to leverage your connections or use your personal charm to accomplish the said task. Note that załatwić is not so much about doing things as about getting them done, hence załatwić nowy paszport translates as "to get a new passport". The meaning comes close to the English phrase “to take care of”, as in “to take care of a problem”. This is a handy Polish verb, used in a variety of everyday situations. Honestly, you need to pokombinować to pin down the essence of this word! Załatwić Co kombinujesz? could be translated as “What are you up to?”, but the derivative wykombinować is often understood as “finding a creative solution to a problem” or “coming up with an idea”.
Depending on the context, it is often translated as “to cheat” or “to scheme” but the word itself rarely carries such negative connotations in Polish. The verb kombinować implies that you are dealing with a problem in an unconventional (sometimes dishonest) way. Some say it is impossible to grasp its true meaning until you come into contact with Polish creativity and resourcefulness. Arguably one of the most “untranslatable” words in the Polish language.
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