ha is i magen
Meaning: To remain calm and composed under pressure, resisting the urge to act rashly.
Language: Swedish
Literally: to have ice in the belly
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The phrase pictures the belly as the seat of impulse and emotion; ice within it represents a cooling, steadying force that prevents hot-headed action.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- co ślina na język przyniesie — Careless, thoughtless speech; whatever comes to mind without reflection or substance.
- utrzymać język za zębami — To keep silent and refrain from speaking.
- mieć głowę na karku — To be sensible, intelligent, and capable of thinking for oneself.
- trzymać buzię na kłódkę — To keep silent and not reveal a secret.
- policzyć na palcach jednej ręki — To be very few in number; countable on one hand.
- uzbroić się w cierpliwość — To be patient or to gather one's patience.
More Swedish idioms
- bära eller brista — To succeed or fail; to endure the test or collapse under it.
- mitt på ljusan dag — In broad daylight; openly and obviously, not in secret.
- Att glida in på en räkmacka — To have things handed to you without effort.
- Att ha rent mjöl i påsen — To have a clean conscience; nothing to hide.
- att köpa grisen i säcken — To make a purchase or agreement without inspecting or understanding what you're actually…
- det är inte värt ett öre — Something is completely worthless or valueless.
From our untranslatable words
- Meriggiare — To take a quiet midday rest in a cool, shaded spot, escaping the fierce afternoon sun.
- Backpfeifengesicht — A face that is just begging to be slapped — someone so smug you can't help the urge.
- Tartle — That panicky pause when you go to introduce someone and realize you've forgotten their na…