IdiomDaily LifeSwedish

få bukt med

Meaning: To overcome, resolve, or take control of a difficult problem or challenging situation.

Literally: To get a loop around

Example: “Skolan har äntligen fått bukt med mobbningen.” — The school has finally got to grips with the bullying.

English equivalent: To get to grips with something

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: Bukt is a bend or loop, as in a bay or a coil of rope. Getting a loop around something is getting it under control, the way a rope is thrown around an animal or a load. No first use is documented.

More Swedish idioms

  • få betalt för gammal ost To be punished or retaliated against for a past wrong, to receive belated payback.
  • tidens tand The slow decay and wearing away of things through the passage of time, the gradual damage…
  • ha luktat krutrök To be experienced in battle or conflict; to have been tested under fire.
  • ingen ko på isen There is no danger or immediate problem; the situation is safe.
  • djungelns lag Survival of the fittest; a state of lawlessness where brutal competition and violence det…
  • reta gallfeber på To infuriate or enrage someone intensely.

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