under kniven
Meaning: Undergoing surgery, or under intense pressure to perform.
Language: Swedish
Literally: under the knife
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The surgical sense is literal; the pressure sense extends metaphorically from the physical danger and exposure of being on an operating table.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- fjällen falla från någons ögon — To suddenly understand something that was previously hidden or obscured.
- med glimten i ögat — To say or do something in a joking or cheeky manner, with playful mischief rather than se…
- ha luktat krutrök — To be experienced in battle or conflict; to have been tested under fire.
- reta gallfeber på — To infuriate or enrage someone intensely.
- lägga vantarna på — To get hold of something; to seize or obtain.
- ha is i magen — To remain calm and composed under pressure, resisting the urge to act rashly.
More Swedish idioms
- en koloss på lerfötter — Something that appears powerful and impressive but rests on a fundamentally weak foundati…
- köra med — To tease, bully, or push someone around.
- sätta till alla klutar — To make a maximum effort or remove all restraints in pursuit of something.
- falla till föga — To surrender one's position or resistance; to give in.
- inte spotta i glaset — To willingly accept and consume alcohol when offered; to enjoy drinking.
- het på gröten — Overly eager or impatient, wanting something too urgently.
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