IdiomFood & DrinkSwedish

inte spotta i glaset

Meaning: To willingly accept and consume alcohol when offered; to enjoy drinking.

Literally: Not to spit in the glass

Example: “Morfar spottar inte i glaset när det bjuds på snaps.” — Grandpa never says no to a drink when aquavit is on offer.

Origin: Spitting into one's glass would spoil the drink, so someone who "doesn't spit in the glass" never refuses one: they are fond of drinking. The phrase is a jocular euphemism, and no first use is documented.

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