IdiomThe Absurd
Swedish
Swedishså till den milda grad
Meaning: To such an extent; to a remarkable or extreme degree, often used ironically.
Literally: To such a mild degree
Example: “Filmen var tråkig så till den milda grad att vi somnade.” — The film was so incredibly boring that we fell asleep.
Origin: "To such a mild degree" means to an extreme degree, which sounds like a contradiction. Mild had an older sense of generous or lavish, and that sense may lie behind it. SAOB, as quoted second-hand, suggests the phrase is a distortion of till den vilda grad (to such a wild degree); neither explanation is settled.
More Swedish idioms
- 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.
- sjunga på sista versen To be near the end of one's life or near the end of something's existence.
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