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Å svelge noen kameler

Meaning: To make big concessions and accept what you dislike.

Language: Norwegian

Literally: To swallow some camels

Category: Animals

Origin: From the biblical image of straining the gnat yet swallowing the camel, now common in Norwegian political speech.

More idioms — Animals

  • Å ha en høne å plukke med noen — To have a bone to pick with someone.
  • Olla kuin Ellun kanat — To live a carefree, comfortable life.
  • Sok lúd disznót győz — There is strength in numbers.
  • Lóvá tesz valakit — To dupe or make a fool of someone.
  • A face din țânțar armăsar — To exaggerate something enormously.
  • A tăcea ca porcul în păpușoi — To keep guiltily quiet.

More Norwegian idioms

  • Å gjøre kål på noe — To finish something off completely.
  • Å være på pinebenken — To be in anxious suspense.
  • Å være ute og sykle — To be completely mistaken or to have no idea what you're talking about.
  • Å ha bein i nesa — To be assertive and able to stand your ground.
  • Å snakke rett fra leveren — To speak frankly, without softening anything.
  • Helt texas — Utterly wild, chaotic or out of control.

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