ingen ko på isen
Meaning: There is no danger or immediate problem; the situation is safe.
Language: Swedish
Literally: no cow on the ice
Category: Animals
Origin: The phrase pictures a cow that has broken through thin ice—a vivid and catastrophic rural image. Its absence signals safety; the coast is clear.
More idioms — Animals
- inte göra en fluga förnär — To be harmless and gentle, incapable of hurting even the smallest creature.
- som vatten på en gås — Something that has no effect or makes no impression, sliding off harmlessly.
- lysa med lånta fjädrar — To present oneself falsely by adopting the qualities, accomplishments, or possessions of…
- surt sa räven — To claim that something undesirable was not worth having anyway, as a way of masking disa…
- kupować kota w worku — To purchase something without examining it first, risking getting a poor deal.
- ptasi móżdżek — A stupid or scatterbrained person.
More Swedish idioms
- 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.
- sätta käppar i hjulet — To create obstacles or hindrances for someone or something.
- lägga vantarna på — To get hold of something; to seize or obtain.
- vända kappan efter vinden — To change one's allegiance or principles opportunistically depending on circumstances.
- gräva sin egen grav — To cause one's own ruin or downfall through foolish actions.
From our untranslatable words
- Duende — A mysterious quality in art or performance that moves you to your core — a dark, soulful,…
- Querencia — A place where you feel safe, grounded, and most fully yourself — a sanctuary from which y…
- Estrenar — The specific pleasure of wearing, using, or showing off something brand new for the very…