IdiomAnimals
Swedish
Swedishlysa med lånta fjädrar
Meaning: To present oneself falsely by adopting the qualities, accomplishments, or possessions of others.
Literally: To shine with borrowed feathers
Example: “Han lyste med lånta fjädrar och presenterade kollegans idé som sin egen.” — He strutted in borrowed plumes, presenting his colleague's idea as his own.
English equivalent: In borrowed plumes
Equivalents in other languages
English: in borrowed plumes
Origin: From Aesop's fable, told by Phaedrus in Latin: a jackdaw dresses itself in feathers shed by peacocks and tries to pass as one, until the peacocks strip it of them. To shine with borrowed feathers is to take credit for others' work or qualities.
More Swedish idioms
- så till den milda grad To such an extent; to a remarkable or extreme degree, often used ironically.
- lika som bär Identical or nearly identical to each other in appearance or character.
- syna i sömmarna To examine something with intense, often harsh scrutiny and criticism.
- sätta någon på plats To rebuke or humble someone by establishing proper order or respect.
- på hal is In a precarious or dangerous situation that one cannot control or easily escape.
- högt spel A risky venture or pursuit involving substantial stakes and danger.
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