lysa med lånta fjädrar
Meaning: To present oneself falsely by adopting the qualities, accomplishments, or possessions of others.
Language: Swedish
Literally: to shine with borrowed feathers
Category: Animals
Origin: Based on the fable of the crow who adorns itself with peacock feathers to appear grander than it is.
More idioms — Animals
- 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.
- strzyc uszami — To prick up one's ears; to listen intently.
- rany koguta — A mild exclamation expressing surprise, frustration, or emphasis.
- wziąć w łapę — To take a bribe or to accept money corruptly.
More Swedish idioms
- så till den milda grad — To such an extent; to a remarkable or extreme degree, often used ironically.
- komma till pass — To prove useful or convenient in a particular situation; to be exactly what is needed.
- 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.
- lägga sig i — To insert oneself into a situation uninvited; to meddle or interfere.
- sätta någon på plats — To rebuke or humble someone by establishing proper order or respect.
Loading the full interactive collection…