IdiomBody & SensesSwedish

med glimten i ögat

Meaning: To say or do something in a joking or cheeky manner, with playful mischief rather than seriousness.

Literally: With the glint in the eye

Example: “Han kallade sig själv världens bästa kock, med glimten i ögat.” — He called himself the world's best cook, tongue-in-cheek.

English equivalent: Tongue-in-cheek

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: A glint in the eye is the sparkle that gives away a joke. Saying something med glimten i ögat is saying it with a twinkle, not entirely seriously. No particular story lies behind it.

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