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lägga vantarna på

Meaning: To get hold of something; to seize or obtain.

Language: Swedish

Literally: to lay mittens on

Category: Body & Senses

Origin: The image is of putting mittened hands on something to claim or grab it.

More idioms — Body & Senses

  • ha is i magen — To remain calm and composed under pressure, resisting the urge to act rashly.
  • 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.

More Swedish idioms

  • 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.
  • inte göra en fluga förnär — To be harmless and gentle, incapable of hurting even the smallest creature.
  • styv i korken — Overly self-confident and arrogant, carrying oneself with unwarranted swagger.
  • gå sitt öde till mötes — To face one's destiny, often implying a dramatic or fatal confrontation with what is fate…
  • som vatten på en gås — Something that has no effect or makes no impression, sliding off harmlessly.

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