Learning a new language involves more than just memorizing vocabulary and mastering grammar rules. To truly understand and speak like a native, you need to get acquainted with idiomatic expressions. Idioms are phrases where the meaning isn’t immediately apparent from the individual words. They offer a glimpse into the culture, history, and values of the people who speak the language. Norwegian, like any other language, is rich with idiomatic expressions. Here, we will explore some of the most popular Norwegian idioms and their meanings, helping you to understand and use them in the right context.
1. Å være i sitt ess
This idiom translates directly to “to be in one’s ace” in English. It means to be in your element or to feel very comfortable and happy in a particular situation. For instance, if someone is a great cook and enjoys being in the kitchen, you could say, “Han er i sitt ess når han lager mat,” which means “He is in his element when he cooks.”
2. Å ha en finger med i spillet
The literal translation of this idiom is “to have a finger in the game.” It means to be involved or have a say in something. For example, if someone played a part in organizing an event, you could say, “Hun hadde en finger med i spillet,” meaning “She had a hand in it.”
3. Å slå to fluer i en smekk
This idiom translates to “to hit two flies in one smack.” It is the Norwegian equivalent of the English idiom “to kill two birds with one stone.” It means achieving two things with a single action. For instance, if you manage to do your grocery shopping while taking a walk, you might say, “Jeg slo to fluer i en smekk,” meaning “I killed two birds with one stone.”
4. Å gå på limpinnen
Directly translated, this idiom means “to walk on the glue stick.” It is used to describe someone who has been tricked or duped. For example, if someone falls for a prank, you might say, “Han gikk på limpinnen,” meaning “He fell for it.”
5. Å ta bladet fra munnen
This phrase means “to take the leaf from the mouth.” It implies that someone is finally speaking out about something they have been silent about. For instance, if someone decides to reveal a secret, you could say, “Hun tok bladet fra munnen,” meaning “She spoke out.”
6. Å være på bærtur
This idiom translates to “to be on a berry trip.” It is used to describe someone who is way off the mark or completely mistaken. For example, if someone gives an incorrect answer to a question, you might say, “Han er på bærtur,” meaning “He is way off.”
7. Å dra lasset sammen
Literally, this means “to pull the load together.” It signifies teamwork and cooperation. For example, if a group of people are working together to achieve a common goal, you might say, “Vi drar lasset sammen,” meaning “We are pulling the load together.”
8. Å få blod på tann
This idiom translates to “to get blood on the tooth.” It means to become excited about or get a taste for something. For instance, if someone starts enjoying a new hobby, you could say, “Hun fikk blod på tann,” meaning “She got a taste for it.”
9. Å hoppe etter Wirkola
This expression means “to jump after Wirkola,” referring to the famous Norwegian ski jumper Bjørn Wirkola. It is used to describe the challenge of following in the footsteps of someone who has set a very high standard. For example, if someone has to give a presentation right after an excellent speaker, you might say, “Det er som å hoppe etter Wirkola,” meaning “It’s like jumping after Wirkola.”
10. Å ha mange jern i ilden
This idiom translates to “to have many irons in the fire.” It means to be involved in many activities or projects at the same time. For instance, if someone is juggling multiple tasks, you might say, “Han har mange jern i ilden,” meaning “He has many irons in the fire.”
11. Å gjøre noen en bjørnetjeneste
The literal translation of this idiom is “to do someone a bear service.” It means to do someone a disservice or to help in such a way that it actually causes harm. For example, if someone gives advice that ends up causing more problems, you could say, “Han gjorde henne en bjørnetjeneste,” meaning “He did her a disservice.”
12. Å sette alle kluter til
This phrase means “to set all cloths to.” It is used to describe putting in maximum effort to achieve something. For instance, if someone is working very hard to meet a deadline, you might say, “Vi må sette alle kluter til,” meaning “We must give it our all.”
13. Å være på tynn is
This idiom translates to “to be on thin ice.” It means to be in a risky or precarious situation. For example, if someone is taking a big gamble, you could say, “Han er på tynn is,” meaning “He is on thin ice.”
14. Å slå seg løs
Literally, this means “to break loose.” It signifies letting go and having fun, often in a party or social context. For instance, if someone is dancing and enjoying themselves at a party, you might say, “Hun slår seg løs,” meaning “She is letting loose.”
15. Å gå rett på sak
This idiom translates to “to go straight to the case.” It means to get straight to the point without beating around the bush. For example, if someone addresses an issue directly, you could say, “Han gikk rett på sak,” meaning “He went straight to the point.”
16. Å være i vinden
The literal translation of this phrase is “to be in the wind.” It means to be popular or in demand. For instance, if a new band is gaining a lot of attention, you might say, “De er i vinden,” meaning “They are in demand.”
17. Å ha en høne å plukke med noen
This idiom translates to “to have a hen to pluck with someone.” It means to have a bone to pick or to have an issue to settle with someone. For example, if someone needs to confront another person about a problem, you might say, “Jeg har en høne å plukke med deg,” meaning “I have a bone to pick with you.”
18. Å ta seg vann over hodet
Literally, this means “to take water over the head.” It signifies taking on more than one can handle. For instance, if someone accepts too many responsibilities, you could say, “Han tok seg vann over hodet,” meaning “He bit off more than he could chew.”
19. Å ha det som plommen i egget
This idiom translates to “to have it like the yolk in the egg.” It means to be in a very comfortable and favorable situation. For example, if someone is enjoying a luxurious vacation, you might say, “Hun har det som plommen i egget,” meaning “She is in clover.”
20. Å få kalde føtter
The literal translation of this idiom is “to get cold feet.” It means to become hesitant or scared about a commitment or decision. For instance, if someone is nervous about getting married, you could say, “Han fikk kalde føtter,” meaning “He got cold feet.”
21. Å kaste perler for svin
This phrase means “to cast pearls before swine.” It is used to describe offering something valuable to someone who does not appreciate it. For example, if someone gives excellent advice to someone who ignores it, you might say, “Det er som å kaste perler for svin,” meaning “It’s like casting pearls before swine.”
22. Å gå som varmt hvetebrød
This idiom translates to “to go like hot wheat bread.” It means that something is selling very quickly or is in high demand. For instance, if a new product is very popular, you could say, “Det går som varmt hvetebrød,” meaning “It’s selling like hotcakes.”
23. Å ta en spansk en
Literally, this means “to take a Spanish one.” It signifies taking a shortcut or bending the rules. For example, if someone finds an easier way to complete a task, you might say, “Han tok en spansk en,” meaning “He took a shortcut.”
24. Å være på bærtur
This idiom translates to “to be on a berry trip.” It is used to describe someone who is way off the mark or completely mistaken. For example, if someone gives an incorrect answer to a question, you might say, “Han er på bærtur,” meaning “He is way off.”
25. Å spisse blyanten
This idiom translates to “to sharpen the pencil.” It means to prepare thoroughly or to get down to serious work. For example, if someone needs to focus and work hard on a project, you could say, “Det er på tide å spisse blyanten,” meaning “It’s time to sharpen the pencil.”
Conclusion
Learning idiomatic expressions is a crucial step in mastering any language. They not only make your speech sound more natural but also provide insights into the culture and mindset of native speakers. By understanding and using these popular Norwegian idioms, you can enhance your language skills and communicate more effectively. So, the next time you find yourself in a conversation with a Norwegian speaker, try incorporating some of these idioms and see how they react. Happy learning!
