IdiomBody & Senses
Norwegian
NorwegianÅ ha bein i nesa
Meaning: To be assertive and able to stand your ground.
Literally: To have bones in the nose
Example: “Den nye sjefen har bein i nesa og sier ifra når noe er galt.” — The new boss stands her ground and speaks up when something is wrong.
English equivalent: To stand one's ground
Origin: "To have bone in the nose": to be firm and assertive, not to be pushed around. The phrase is colloquial Norwegian, and its origin is not documented.
Equivalents in other languages
English: stand one's ground
More Norwegian idioms
- Helt texas Utterly wild, chaotic or out of control.
- Å koke bort i kålen To come to nothing; to fizzle out unresolved.
- Å være midt i smørøyet To be in the most fortunate spot imaginable.
- Å svelge noen kameler To make big concessions and accept what you dislike.
- Å ha en høne å plukke med noen To have a bone to pick with someone.
- Å gjøre kål på noe To finish something off completely.
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