Swedish Idioms and Expressions

Swedish is a rich and nuanced language that resonates with cultural heritage and everyday life. One of the most fascinating aspects of Swedish is its idioms and expressions. They not only convey meanings beyond their literal definitions but also reflect the social values and humor of the Swedish people. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular Swedish idioms and expressions, their meanings, and how to use them in conversation.

1. "Gå som på räls"

Literal Translation: "Go like on rails"
Meaning: To go smoothly or without obstacles.
Usage: Use this expression when things are progressing easily. For instance, if a project is moving forward seamlessly, you can say, "Projektet går som på räls!"

2. "Det ligger en hund begraven"

Literal Translation: "There is a dog buried"
Meaning: There’s something hidden or suspicious going on.
Usage: You might use this idiom when you suspect ulterior motives in a situation. For example, if a colleague suddenly changes their tone, you could say, "Det ligger en hund begraven i det där."

3. "Kasta yxan i sjön"

Literal Translation: "Throw the axe in the lake"
Meaning: To give up or surrender.
Usage: This expression conveys a sense of hope loss. If someone has tried their best and still faced failure, you could say, "Inte ge upp! Kasta inte yxan i sjön!"

4. "Måla fan på väggen"

Literal Translation: "Paint the devil on the wall"
Meaning: To imagine the worst-case scenario.
Usage: You might use this phrase when someone is being overly pessimistic about a situation. For example, if a friend is worrying excessively about a job interview, you could say, "Sluta måla fan på väggen. Det kommer gå bra!"

5. "Sätta kniven i ryggen"

Literal Translation: "Put the knife in the back"
Meaning: To betray someone.
Usage: This idiom can be applied in situations of betrayal, particularly in relationships or friendships. For instance, "Jag trodde vi var vänner, men hon satte kniven i ryggen."

6. "Inte alla hjärnor i samma jar"

Literal Translation: "Not all brains in the same jar"
Meaning: Not everyone thinks the same way; people have different opinions.
Usage: This expression can be used in discussions where there are diverse viewpoints. For example, "Vi måste komma ihåg att inte alla hjärnor är i samma jar."

7. "Ha huvudet på skaft"

Literal Translation: "Have your head on the shaft"
Meaning: To be alert and sensible.
Usage: You might use this phrase to praise someone’s awareness in a particular situation. “Du har verkligen huvudet på skaft i det här projektet!”

8. "Syna korten"

Literal Translation: "To reveal your cards"
Meaning: To show your intentions or plan.
Usage: You can use this when discussing strategy or intentions. For instance, “Det är dags att syna korten och prata om våra framtidsplaner.”

9. "Prata för döva öron"

Literal Translation: "Talk for deaf ears"
Meaning: To talk without being listened to; wasted effort.
Usage: If you feel like you’re not getting through to someone, use this idiom: “Jag känner att jag pratar för döva öron.”

10. "Det är ingen höjdare"

Literal Translation: "It's no high flyer"
Meaning: It's not great or impressive.
Usage: If you’re rating something that didn’t meet your expectations, you might say, “Filmen var verkligen ingen höjdare.”

11. "Att slå två flugor i en smäll"

Literal Translation: "To hit two flies with one smack"
Meaning: To achieve two goals with a single effort.
Usage: This is similar to the English "kill two birds with one stone." For example, “Genom att cykla till jobbet slår jag två flugor i en smäll: jag sparar pengar och får motion.”

12. "Lägga korten på bordet"

Literal Translation: "Put the cards on the table"
Meaning: To be honest and clarify one's position.
Usage: In discussions where transparency is vital, you could say, “Vi bör lägga korten på bordet för att undvika missförstånd.”

13. "Det är ingen ko på isen"

Literal Translation: "There’s no cow on the ice"
Meaning: There’s no immediate danger or worry.
Usage: Use it to reassure someone that all is well: “Slappna av, det är ingen ko på isen.”

14. "Bita i det sura äpplet"

Literal Translation: "Bite into the sour apple"
Meaning: To do something unpleasant but necessary.
Usage: This can be used when discussing facing a difficult task: “Jag måste nog bita i det sura äpplet och gå till tandläkaren.”

15. "Få sina fiskar i rätt sjö"

Literal Translation: "Get your fish in the right lake"
Meaning: To set things right or clarify a situation.
Usage: This idiom is handy when discussing organization or clarity. For example, “Vi behöver få våra fiskar i rätt sjö innan mötet.”

16. "Hålla tummarna"

Literal Translation: "Keep the thumbs"
Meaning: To keep one's fingers crossed for luck.
Usage: A common phrase to express hope, “Jag håller tummarna för din intervju imorgon!”

17. "Som ett brev på posten"

Literal Translation: "Like a letter in the mail"
Meaning: Something that is definitely going to happen, usually in a predictable manner.
Usage: You might say, “Det kommer att hända, som ett brev på posten.”

18. "Kasta pärlor för svin"

Literal Translation: "Throw pearls to swine"
Meaning: To waste something valuable on those who don't appreciate it.
Usage: Used when discussing futile efforts, you might say, “Det är som att kasta pärlor för svin att ge dem denna information.”

19. "Säga upp sig i förtid"

Literal Translation: "Resign early"
Meaning: To give up prematurely or leave a situation too soon.
Usage: If someone quit a job without good reason, you could say, “Han sa upp sig i förtid, och jag tror inte att det var en bra idé.”

20. "Driva med någon"

Literal Translation: "To drive with someone"
Meaning: To tease or make fun of someone in a friendly manner.
Usage: Often used among friends, you might say, “Vi drev lite med honom när han missade skottet.”

Conclusion

Understanding these Swedish idioms and expressions can significantly enrich your conversations and deepen your understanding of the Swedish language and culture. Using idioms not only makes your speech more colorful but also showcases your appreciation for the language's subtleties. By incorporating these expressions into your daily conversations, you’ll strengthen your fluency and connect more authentically with Swedish speakers. So go ahead and sprinkle some of these idioms into your next chat—it's a great way to impress!