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att vara rädd som en hare

Meaning: To be extremely fearful and jumpy, ready to flee at the slightest danger.

Language: Swedish

Literally: to be afraid like a hare

Category: Animals

Origin: Based on hares' behavior in the wild—constantly alert and quick to escape predators in Swedish forests.

More idioms — Animals

  • let the cat out of the bag — to reveal a secret inadvertently.
  • go belly up — to fail completely; to go bankrupt.
  • bark up the wrong tree — to pursue a wrong course; to blame the wrong person.
  • get your ducks in a row — to organize yourself; to prepare systematically.
  • in a pig's eye — absolutely not; never; expressing strong disagreement.
  • like a fish out of water — uncomfortable or awkward in a situation; out of one's element.

More Swedish idioms

  • Skägget i brevlådan — Caught red-handed in an awkward, embarrassing position.
  • Ana ugglor i mossen — To sense that something fishy is going on.
  • Lägga rabarber på något — To claim or grab something for yourself.
  • Nu har du satt din sista potatis — You've done your last misdeed; you're finished.
  • Att göra en pudel — To make a public, grovelling apology.
  • Att ha tummen mitt i handen — To be hopelessly clumsy; all thumbs.

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