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Meaning: To change one's allegiance or principles opportunistically depending on circumstances.
Language: Swedish
Literally: to turn one's cloak according to the wind
Category: Daily Life
Origin: The image is of a traveler turning his cloak to suit the wind's direction—literal adaptation became a metaphor for moral flexibility.
More idioms — Daily Life
- styv i korken — Overly self-confident and arrogant, carrying oneself with unwarranted swagger.
- gå sitt öde till mötes — To face one's destiny, often implying a dramatic or fatal confrontation with what is fate…
- komma till pass — To prove useful or convenient in a particular situation; to be exactly what is needed.
- 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.
- högt spel — A risky venture or pursuit involving substantial stakes and danger.
More Swedish idioms
- gräva sin egen grav — To cause one's own ruin or downfall through foolish actions.
- inte göra en fluga förnär — To be harmless and gentle, incapable of hurting even the smallest creature.
- som vatten på en gås — Something that has no effect or makes no impression, sliding off harmlessly.
- lysa med lånta fjädrar — To present oneself falsely by adopting the qualities, accomplishments, or possessions of…
- så till den milda grad — To such an extent; to a remarkable or extreme degree, often used ironically.
- lika som bär — Identical or nearly identical to each other in appearance or character.