surt sa räven
Meaning: To claim that something undesirable was not worth having anyway, as a way of masking disappointment.
Language: Swedish
Literally: sour said the fox
Category: Animals
Origin: From Aesop's fable of the fox and the grapes, where the fox, unable to reach the grapes, declares them sour and worthless—a classic picture of rationalized disappointment.
More idioms — Animals
- 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.
- pijany jak świnia — Extremely intoxicated or drunk.
More Swedish idioms
- slåss mot väderkvarnar — To engage in a futile struggle against imaginary or trivial enemies.
- ha is i magen — To remain calm and composed under pressure, resisting the urge to act rashly.
- bära eller brista — To succeed or fail; to endure the test or collapse under it.
- mitt på ljusan dag — In broad daylight; openly and obviously, not in secret.
- Att glida in på en räkmacka — To have things handed to you without effort.
- Att ha rent mjöl i påsen — To have a clean conscience; nothing to hide.
From our compliments & insults
- Sei una forza della natura — You're unstoppable — your energy and drive are bigger than any obstacle.
- Hai le mani d'oro — You're extraordinarily skilled with your hands — a craftsperson, cook, or fixer of legend…
- Sei una persona d'oro — You're genuinely wonderful — kind, trustworthy, and precious to have in one's life.