Swedish proverbs - Wikiquote
Swedish proverbs
"Comes time comes council." Falu red houses are a common sight Sweden .
"Don't complain about lack of wind – learn to sail." The picture depicts Swedish midsummer .
Proverbs from Swedish -speaking parts of the world.
Alla goda ting är tre.
Translation: All good things are three.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 368
Alla känner apan, men apan känner ingen.
Translation: Everyone knows the monkey, but the monkey knows no one.
Meaning: Those that stick out are often both well-known and avoided.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 310
Alla sätt är bra utom de dåliga.
Translation: All methods are good except for the bad ones.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 162
Alla vägar bär till Rom.
Translation: All roads lead to Rome.
Meaning: There are many different routes to the same goal.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 284
Alla är vi barn i början.
Translation: We all start out as children.
Meaning: Mistakes should be expected of beginners.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 364
Alla vill vara herrar, men ingen vill bära säcken.
English equivalent: There are too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
Meaning: Too many people want to be the leader, and not enough people are willing to follow to do the detail work.
"Mission has an eternal quality. Goals are time bound and once achieved, are replaced by others."
Patrick Dixon (2005) Building a Better Business - the key to management, marketing and motivation. p. 66
Source:
Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "1263" . Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. II. Routledge. p. 991. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6 .
 
Allt är inte guld som glimmar.
Translation and English equivalent: All that glitters is not gold.
"An attractive appearance may be deceptive. It may cover or hide a much less favourable content."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "19" . European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 125. ISBN 1-875943-44-7 .
 
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 164
Anfall är bästa försvar.
Translation: Attack is the best defense.
English equivalent: The best defense is a good offense.
Meaning: If you attack your opponents, they will be so busy fighting off your attack that they will not be able to attack you.
"You are more likely to win if you take the initiative and make an attack rather than preparing to defend yourself."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 30 June 2013.
 
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 18
Arga katter får rivet skinn.
Translation: Angry cats get scratched skin.
English equivalent: Quarrelsome dogs come limping home.
"People who are disrespectful and demeaning of others always end up getting into trouble and hurting themselves. "
Clifford Sawhney (1 January 2003). Book of Common and Uncommon Proverbs . Pustak Mahal. p. 131. ISBN 978-81-223-0854-9 .
 
Source: Börjesson (2008), p. 34
Att skiljas är att dö en smula.
Translation: To separate is to die a little.
Note: Originally a French proverb: Partir c'est mourir un peu..
Source: Hellquist (1986), p. 175
Att försvara ett fel är att fela igen.
Translation: To defend a wrong, is to wrong do anew.
Source: Stolpe (1987), p. 41
Att våga är att tappa fotfästet en stund, att inte våga är att förlora sig själv.
Translation: To dare is to lose your foothold for a moment, to not dare is to lose yourself.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 179
Av barn, fyllon och dårar får man höra sanningen.
Translation: From children, drunkards and madmen you get to hear the truth.
English equivalent: Children, fools and drunken men tell the truth.
"Children and fools have no inhibition, and alcohol consumed removes the inhibition against telling the truth that occasionally one would like to keep secret."
Source: Ström (1981), p. 179
Source for meaning:
Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "51" . European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 272. ISBN 1-875943-44-7 .
 
Av skadan blir man vis.
Translation: Injury makes you wise.
Meaning: You learn from your mistakes.
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 156
Avundsjukan vilar aldrig.
English equivalent: Envy takes no holiday.
Source: Hellquist (1986), p. 106
Bara döda fiskar följer strömmen.
Translation: Only dead fish follow the stream.
Meaning: Foolish people mindlessly copy others.
Martin H. Manser (20
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 47
Barn gör som du gör, inte som du säger.
Translation: Children do as you do, not as you say.
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 47
Behandla andra som du själv vill bli behandlad.
Translation: Treat others as you would want to be treated yourself.
English equivalent: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Note: Based on the Bible (Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31). "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" in the King James version; "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." in the New International Version.
"In planning something concerning others one should consider how one would like to receive the same treatment from others. (The special conditions of the other person, differing from those of one's own, might be a further consideration.)"
Source for meaning:
Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "57" . European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 295. ISBN 1-875943-44-7 .
 
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 141
Blod är tjockare än vatten.
Translation: Blood is thicker than water.
Meaning: Family relationships remain strong across great distances.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 298
Blott Sverige svenska krusbär har.
Translation: Only Sweden has Swedish gooseberries.
Meaning: Sweden is a unique country.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 189
Borsta framför din egen dörr först.
English equivalent: Sweep your own doorstep clean.
"People who give me advice... I reckon they're talking to themselves."
Nic Pizzolatto, True Detective (2014).
Source: Stolpe (1987), p. 153
Borta bra men hemma bäst.
Translation: Away is good but home is best.
English equivalents: "There is no place like home" and "east or west, home is best".
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 91
Bra karl reder sig själv.
Translation: A good man manages on his own.
English equivalent: Every bird must hatch its own eggs.
Meaning: Avoid being dependent on others.
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 47
Bränt barn skyr elden.
Translation: Burnt child shuns the fire.
Note: Sometimes jokingly put as "bränt barn luktar illa" ("burnt child smells bad").
English equivalent: Once bitten, twice shy.
"Somebody who has had an unpleasant experience thereafter shrinks from the cause of that experience."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 33. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 30 July 2013.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 351
Bättre brödlös än rådlös.
Translation: Better breadless than clueless.
English equivalent: Better short of pence than short of sense.
Source: Topelius Bokförlag (1974), p. 15
Bättre dåligt minne än dåliga minnen.
Translation: Poor memory is better than bad memories.
Meaning: Don't dwell on past mistakes and bad experiences.
Source: Holm (1975), p. 54
Bättre ett ärligt nej än ett falskt ja.
Translation: Rather an honest 'no' than an insincere 'yes'.
Meaning: Telling a bitter truth is usually better than lying.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 361
Bättre förekomma än förekommas.
English equivalent: Better give the slight than take it.
"Spoken by a maiden, when she is courted by one whom she believes not to be in earnest. In that case she will say, I care as little for you, as you do for me, better give the slight as get it: that is, better I refuse you now, than you reject me afterwards."
"Better be courted and jilted
Than never be courted at all."
James Kelly (1818). "B" . A Complete Collection of Scottish Proverbs Explained and Made Intelligible to the English Reader.
 
Thomas Campbell , The Jilted Nymph. (1859)
Source: Ström (1981), p. 173
Bättre en fågel i handen än tio i skogen.
Translation: Better one bird in the hand than ten in the forest.
Meaning: Value the things you already have more than the things you might never get.
English equivalent: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Source: Holmqvist (1981), p. 138
Bättre ensam än i dåligt sällskap.
English equivalent: Better alone than in bad company.
"A sense of duty is useful in work but offensive in personal relations. People wish to be liked, not to be endured with patient resignation."
Bertrand Russell, The Conquest of Happiness (1930)
Source: Holm (1981), p. 29
Bättre fly än illa fäkta.
Translation: Better to flee than to fence poorly.
English equivalent: He who fights and runs away may live to fight another day.
"It is wiser to withdraw from a situation that you cannot win than to go on fighting and lose – by a strategic retreat you can return to the battle or argument with renewed energy at a later date."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Ström (1968), p. 34
Bättre sent än aldrig.
English equivalent: Better late than never.
"It is better that somebody arrives or something happens later than expected or desired, than not at all."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 25. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 30 June 2013.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 363
Bättre stämma i bäcken än i ån.
Translation: Better to dam the brook than the creek.
Meaning: Be proactive about preventing bad things from happening; defects are best taken care of at an early stage.
Other meaning: Take care of your worries now, or they will become greater in the future.
English equivalent: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
English equivalent: Time and tide waits for none.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 361
Bättre tiga än illa tala.
Translation: Better to keep quiet than to speak poorly (of someone).
English equivalent: Man more often repents what he did say than he did not.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 57
Bättre älskat och förlorat än att aldrig ha älskat.
Translation and English equivalent: Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.
Note: Originally(?) from the poem In Memoriam A.H.H by Alfred, Lord Tennyson.
"It is better to have experienced the joy of love , even if it ends in sorrow , than never to have had that experience."
Source: Lind (2004), p. 25
Bäst att smida medan järnet är varmt.
Translation: Strike while the iron is hot.
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 48
Bäst bli klok av annans skada.
Translation: Best to learn from other people's injury.
English equivalent: Wise men learn by other men's harms, fools by their own.
Source: Åström (1997), p. 194
Delad glädje är dubbel glädje (och delad sorg är halv sorg).
Translation: Shared joy is twice the joy (and shared grief is half the grief).
English equivalent: Joy shared, joy doubled: sorrow shared, sorrow halved.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 251
Den dagen, den sorgen.
Translation: That day, that sorrow.
English equivalent: Cross your bridges when you reach them.
"Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present."
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Meditations
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 27d
Den drucknes tal är den nyktres tankar.
Translation: The drunken man's words are the sober man's thoughts.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 136
Den enes död, den andres bröd.
Translation: The death of one, the bread of the other.
English equivalent: One man's meat is another man's poison.
"There is usually somebody who benefits from an unfavorable set of circumstances."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 142. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 28
Den som alltid vet bäst lär sig aldrig något.
Translation: He who always knows best never learns.
Source: Brombergs Bokförlag (2004), p. 16
Den som gapar efter mycket, mister ofta hela stycket.
Translation: He who bids for much, often loses all.
English equivalent: Grasp all, lose all.
Meaning: One who wants everything, may lose it all.
Source: Holmqvist (1981), p. 66
Den som ger sig in i leken, får leken tåla.
Translation: He who enters the game must endure it.
English equivalent: He that would have eggs must endure the cackling of hens.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 255
Den som gräver en grop åt andra faller ofta själv däri. (Often shortened to "den som gräver en grop åt andra...")
Translation: He who digs a pit for others, often falls into it himself.
Note: From the Bible, the book of Proverbs 26:27, Ecclesiastes 10:8 and Psalms 7:16.
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 36
Den som lever får se.
Translation: He who lives shall see.
English equivalent: Only time will tell.
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 38
Den som sover syndar icke.
Translation: He who sleeps does not sin.
English equivalent: Criticism is something you can avoid by saying nothing, doing nothing and being nothing.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 298
Den som spar han har.
Translation: He who saves, has.
English equivalent: Waste not, want not.
Meaning: If you do not waste anything, you will always have enough.
"Better live sparingly while we have something, than spend lavishly, and afterwards want."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Jane Caughey (2008). Write with Purpose: An approach to personal writing . Curriculum Press. p. 35. ISBN 978-1-74200-304-7 .
 
Source: Stolpe (1987), p. 38
Den som tiger han samtycker.
Translation: He who stays quiet consents.
"Those who do not reply to a request or accusation, or who raise no objection to something said or done, are assumed to have acquiesced."
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 244. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Holm (1981), p. 9
Den som viskar han ljuger.
Translation: He who whispers lies.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 60
Den som väntar på något gott, väntar aldrig för länge.
Translation: He who waits for something good never waits too long.
Notes: Sometimes jokingly changed into "den som väntar på något gott, väntar alltid för länge" ("he who waits for something good, always waits too long") or "den som väntar på något gott, blir aldrig tjock" ("he who waits for something good, never gets fat").
Source: Ström (1981), p. 384
Den spik som sticker ut blir slagen.
Translation: The nail that sticks out gets struck.
Source: Kriss (2008)
Den som är fri från synd skall kasta första stenen.
Translation and English equivalent: Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.
Meaning: Only those who are truly virtuous have the right to criticize or condemn others (used to imply that nobody has this right).
Note: From the Bible, John 8:7.
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Martling (2001), p. 85
Det angår också dig när det brinner i grannens vägg.
Translation: It concerns you, too, when your neighbor's wall is on fire.
Note: Originally a Latin proverb: "nam tua res agitur, paries cum proximus ardet."
"When you see a man in distress, recognize him as a fellow man."
Seneca, Hercules Furens
Source: Ström (1981), p. 142
Det blir aldrig som man tänkt sig.
Translation: Things never turn out the way you imagined.
Source: Blomberg (1995), p. 15
Det blir som det blir.
Translation: It will be like it will be.
English equivalent: We must take things as we find them.
"We should not plan and then try to make circumstances fit those plans. Instead we should make plans fit the circumstances."
George S. Patton , War as I Knew It (1947)
Source: Bremberg (1992), p. 42
Det dunkelt sagda är det dunkelt tänkta.
Translation: What is unclearly said is unclearly thought.
Note: This is from Esaias Tegnér 's poem Epilog at "Magisterpromotionen i Lund 1820."
"Before Haig nobody had thought of saying 'at this juncture of maturization' to mean 'now.' He told the American people that terrorism could be fought with 'meaningful sanctionary teeth' and that intermediate nuclear missiles were 'at the vortex of cruciality.'"
Zinsser, William On Writing Well (1976)
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 43
Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder.
English equivalent: There's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.
"Any weather is tolerable as long as you have the right clothing."
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 267. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Det gäller att smida medan järnet är varmt.
Translation: You should forge while the iron is hot.
English equivalent: Strike while the iron is hot.
Source: Hellquist (1986), p. 111
Det kommer inga stekta sparvar flygande i din mun.
Translation: No fried sparrows will fly into your mouth.
Meaning: One cannot (or should not) expect to benefit without making some effort.
English equivalent: Birds fly not into our mouth ready roasted.
Source for meaning: Paczolay (1997, p. 455)
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 578
Det man inte har i huvudet får man ha i benen.
Translation: What one's head lacks one has to have in one's legs.
English equivalent: A forgetful head makes a weary pair of heels.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 289
Det man inte vet mår man inte dåligt av.
Translation: What you do not know does not hurt you.
Source: Åström (1997), p. 192
Det man förlorar på gungorna tar man igen på karusellen.
Translation: What you lose at the swings you take back at the merry-go-round.
English equivalent: What you lose on the swings you gain on the roundabouts.
"Gains and losses tend to balance one another overall."
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 550
Det ska böjas i tid det som krokigt ska bli.
Translation: It is to be bent in time, that which bent shall be.
English equivalent: Soon crooks the tree that good gambrel would be.
Source: Åström (1997), p. 100
Det som börjar med en knappnål slutar oftast med en silverskål.
Translation: What starts with a needle usually ends with a silver bowl.
English equivalent: He that steals an egg will steal an ox.
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 4
Det som inte dödar, härdar.
Translation: What doesn't kill, hardens.
English equivalent: That which does not kill you, makes you stronger. Pain is gain.
Source: Tapper (2011), p. 516
Det som göms i snö kommer fram vid tö.
Translation: What is hidden in snow is revealed at thaw.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 320
Det vattnet du hämtar ur bäcken lär dig känna källan.
Translation: The water you collect from the stream teaches you about its source.
Note: Originally a Japanese proverb.
Source: Åström (1997), p. 185
Det viktigaste är inte att vinna, utan att kämpa väl.
Translation: The most important thing is not to win, but to fight well.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 198
Det är aldrig för sent.
Translation: It is never too late.
Source: Forsberg (1972)
Det är bäst att bita i det sura äpplet.
Translation: It is best to bite into the sour apple.
English equivalent: Better hold with the hound, as run with the hare.
Meaning: Better be able to grapple with a difficulty, than to have a probability to escape it.
"Present afflictions may tend to our future good."
 
Source for proverb and meaning:
Det är inte ens fel när två träter.
Translation: It is not one person's fault if two people quarrel.
English equivalent: It takes two to make a quarrel.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 367
Det är lätt att skära breda remsor av andras läder.
Translation: It is easy to cut broad strips off other people's leather.
English equivalent: Men cut large thongs of other men's leather.
Meaning: "This Proverb aims at all thoſe Perſons, who, niggardly to an Exceſs of their own, would fain gain the Character of Generous or Charitable at other People’s Expences, and ſo are very liberal of other People's Pockets to ſave their own, either in Donations of Amity or Alms."
Source for meaning: Divers Proverbs, Nathan Bailey, 1721 [1]
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 702
Det är lätt att vara efterklok.
Translation: It is easy to be prudent in hindsight.
English equivalent: It's easy to be wise after the event.
Meaning: "With hindsight it is easy to see what went wrong or what should have been done, but this is of no practical purpose."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 150. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Lövgren (2007), p. 144
Det är mänskligt att fela men gudomligt att förlåta.
Translation and English equivalent: To err is human; to forgive, divine.
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 173
Det är saligare att giva än att taga.
Note: From the Bible, Acts 20:35.
Translation: It is more blissful to give than to receive.
Meaning: "The act of giving is more worthy, noble and spiritually satisfying than the act of receiving,"
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 149. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 294
Det är skönare lyss till den sträng som brast än att aldrig spänna en båge.
Translation: It is fairer to listen to the string that broke than to never strain a bow.
Note: Originally from Verner von Heidenstam .
Meaning: It is better to fail than to never have tried.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 152
Det är som mörkast innan gryningen.
Translation: It is darkest before dawn.
English equivalent: It's always darkest before the dawn.
"The analogy generally holds good, that the darkest moment is just before the dawning light."
Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. p. 195.
 
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 98
Det är tanken som räknas.
Translation: It's the thought that counts.
Note: Often said about (unwanted) gifts.
Meaning: Good intentions make up for a bad outcome.
Source: Hanson (2011)
Dra inte alla över en kam.
Translation: Do not pull everyone over with a comb.
Note: The word "kam" was previously used to describe the motion made with a scythe. To "pull everyone over with a comb" refers to a stroke across wheat with the scythe, meaning that everything along the path gets cut.
Meaning: Do not stereotype.
Source: Topelius Bokförlag (1974), p. 63
Dra sitt strå till stacken.
Translation: Carry one's straw to the hill.
Note: In reference to anthills.
Meaning: To do one's share of a work at hand (usually for a good cause).
English equivalent: We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 90
Droppen kan urholka stenen.
Translation: The dripping can hollow the stone.
English equivalent: Constant dripping wears the stone.
"A drop hollows out the stone by falling not twice, but many times; so, too, is a person made wise by reading not two, but many books."
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 590
Där vinet går in går vettet ut.
Translation: Where wine enters sense leaves.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 287
Translation: After rain comes sunshine.
Meaning: Hard times seldom last forever.
English equivalent: It's a long lane that has no turning.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 281
Efteråt är intet råd.
Translation: Afterwards is no advice.
English equivalent: Advice comes too late when a thing is done.
Source: Stolpe (1987), p. 62
Egen härd är guld värd.
Translation: Own hearth is gold worth.
English equivalent: There is no place like home.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 140
Eget beröm luktar illa.
English equivalent: Don't blow your own horn.
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 67
Elda inte för kråkorna.
Translation: Don't light a fire for the crows.
Note: Mostly used as an idiomatic expression.
Meaning: Don't waste resources.
Source:
Pelle Holm (1980). Ett ord i rättan tid och 3529 andra ordspråk och talesätt . Bonnier. p. 89. ISBN 978-91-0-043076-4 . Retrieved on 20 September 2013.
 
En dålig hantverkare skyller på sina verktyg.
Translation: A poor craftsman blames his tools.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 173
En gnutta osaklighet sparar tonvis med förklaringar.
Translation: An ounce of lying saves tons of explanations.
Source: Hökby & Åberg (1990), p. 96
En kedja är inte starkare än dess svagaste länk.
Translation: A chain is no stronger than its weakest link.
English equivalent: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Meaning: "A weak part or member will affect the success or effectiveness of the whole."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 38. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 31 July 2013.
 
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 597
En knuten näve kan varken ge eller ta.
Translation: A clenched fist can neither give nor take.
English equivalent: Better bow than break.
Meaning: "It is better to make some confession, or pay a little deference to others, our neighbors, friends, acquaintances, and especially our superiors, rather than lose our credit or break friendship."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. p. 46.
 
Source: Holmqvist (1992), p. 32
En plats för var sak och var sak på sin plats.
Translation: A place for each thing and each thing in its place.
Source: Rydberg (1957), p. 77
En gång är ingen gång.
Translation: One time is no time.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 367
En gång, ingen gång — två gånger, en vana.
Translation: One time, no time — two times, a habit.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 41
En olycka kommer sällan ensam.
Translation: An accident rarely comes alone.
English equivalent: Misery loves company.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 246
En svala gör ingen sommar.
Translation: One swallow does not a summer make.
Note: The earliest known source for this proverb is the Nicomachean Ethics written by Aristotle .
Meaning: "Do not feel sure or rejoice noticing a favourable sign. The appearance of a single sign of a favourable event is not yet a definite indication of its coming. It may be an unrelated, sporadic appearance."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 49. ISBN 1-875943-44-7 .
 
Meaning: "All the falſe as well as fooliſh Concluſions, from a particular to an univerſal Truth, fall under the Cenſure of this Proverb. It teaches, that as he that gueſſes at the Courſe of the Year by the Flight of one ſingle Bird, is very liable to be miſtaken in his Conjecture; ſo alſo a Man cannot be denominated Rich from one ſingle Piece of Money in his Pocket, nor accounted univerſally good from the Practice of one ſingle Virtue, nor temperate becauſe he is ſtout, nor liberal becauſe he is exactly juſt: that one Day cannot render a Man completely happy in point of Time, nor one Action conſummate his Glory in Point of Valour. In ſhort, the Moral of it is, That the right way of Judging of Things, beyond Impoſition and Fallacy, is not from Particulars, but Univerſals."
Source for meaning: Divers Proverbs, Nathan Bailey, 1721 [2]
Source: Ström (1981), p. 328
En vandring på tusen mil börjar alltid med ett steg.
Translation: A journey of a thousand miles always begins with a single step.
Note: Originally from Laozi .
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 165
Ensam är stark.
Meaning: You can accomplish a lot on your own.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 41
Envar är sin egen lyckas smed.
Translation: Each person is the forger of his own happiness.
English equivalent: Every man is the smith of his own fortune.
Meaning: In shaping one's own fortune one should not rely on the help of others, as they are also concerned mainly about their own matters.
Source for meaning: Paczolay (1997, p. 388)
Source: Ström (1981), p. 243
Ett gott skratt förlänger livet.
Translation: A hearty laugh lengthens your life.
Source: Furuland & Furuland (1983), p. 81
Ett mjukt svar stillar vreden.
Translation: A soft answer calms the wrath.
Note: From the Bible, book of Proverbs 15:1.
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 27
Ett rent samvete är bästa huvudkudden.
Translation: A clean conscience is the best pillow.
English equivalent: A good conscience is a soft pillow; a safe conscience makes a sound sleep.
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 62
Finns det hjärterum, finns det stjärterum.
Translation: If there is room in the heart, there is room for the behind.
Meaning: Said when an effort is made to accommodate guests.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 132
Friskt vågat, hälften vunnet.
English equivalent: Faith is half the battle.
"The most honorable, as well as the safest course is to rely entirely upon valour."
Livy, Ab Urbe Condita Libri
Source: Ström (1981), p. 364
För lata svin är marken alltid frusen.
Translation: To lazy pigs the ground is always frozen.
English equivalent: Idle people have the least leisure.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 147
Förbjuden frukt smakar alltid bäst.
Translation: Forbidden fruit always tastes the best.
English equivalent: Forbidden fruit is sweet.
Meaning: "Things that you must not have or do are always the most desirable."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 93. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 147
Förbjuden väg är ofta hårt sliten.
Translation: Forbidden road is often heavily worn.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 375
Först till kvarn får först mala.
Translation: First to the mill will first grind.
English equivalent: First come, first served.
Meaning: "Those who arrive or apply earliest are most likely to get what they want from a limited supply of things, such as tickets, discounted goods or refreshments."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 88. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Translation: Old love never rusts.
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 76
Gammal är äldst.
Translation: Old is oldest.
Meaning: (Jokingly) said to imply that the older generation is superior, e.g., when an older person beats a younger one at something.
English equivalent: The older the fiddle the sweeter the tune.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 264
Ge dig inte på berg när det finns småsten.
Translation: Don’t attack mountains when there are pebbles.
Source: Asplund (2011)
Genom sig själv känner man andra.
Translation: Through yourself you know others.
Meaning: You presume others are like yourself, including when it comes to bad characteristics.
English equivalent: A thief thinks everyone around him is a thief.
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 65
Genvägar är ofta senvägar.
Translation: Shortcuts are often “longcuts.”
Meaning: What you think will be a shortcut often isn't, since you might get lost. Also used metaphorically.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 374
Gräset är alltid grönare på andra sidan (staketet).
Translation: The grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence).
English equivalent: The grass is always greener on the far side of the hill.
Note: Mostly used sarcastically. When you go over the fence, you will see the grass is greener from where you came from.
Meaning: "A different place, situation, job, or lifestyle always seems more attractive or appealing than your own."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 110. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Åström (1997), p. 104
Gräv där du står.
Translation: Dig where you stand.
English equivalent: Bloom where you are planted.
Meaning: It is often best to build up upon the prowess and expertise you already have.
Source: Lindqvist (1978)
Guld blindar många, kärleken blindar alla.
Translation: Gold blinds many, love blinds all.
Source: Brombergs Bokförlag (2004), p. 81
Gå inte över ån efter vatten.
Translation: Do not cross the brook for water.
Meaning: Do not do things in a needlessly laborious or complicated way.
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 152
Gör inte en höna av en fjäder.
Translation: Do not make a hen out of a feather.
English equivalent: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
Meaning: Do not blow things out of proportion.
Source: Åberg (2004), p. 154
Gör om, gör rätt.
Translation: Redo, do right.
English equivalent: If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
Meaning: "If you possess the ability to learn from your mistakes, then failure is literally impossible, because each rejection brings you closer to perfection."
Source for meaning:
Strauss, Neil (2007). Rules of the Game. Canongate Books. ISBN 978-1-84767-355-8 .
 
Henrik Fexeus (24 October 2012). Bli kreativ . Bokförlaget Forum. p. 8. ISBN 978-91-37-13974-6 .
 
Han har varit i Rom men inte sett Påven.
English equivalent: He was in Rome and did not see the pope.
Emanuel Strauss (11 January 2013). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs . Routledge. p. 274. ISBN 978-1-136-78971-7 .
 
Har man sagt A får man säga B.
Translation: If you say 'A' you have to say 'B'.
English equivalent: Who says "A" must say "B".
Note: Usually said to a person who has hinted at something but refuses to elaborate.
Meaning: If you say or do one thing, you must be prepared to do or say what logically follows.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 521
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 301. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Har man tagit fan i båten får man ro honom i land.
English equivalent: Better never begun than never ended.
Meaning: A thing begun and not accomplished exposes a man not only to needless expense but to ridicule.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 102
Hastig rikedom gör mannen misstänkt.
Translation: Quick wealth makes the man suspicious.
English equivalent: No one gets rich quickly if he is honest.
Source:
Strauss, Emanuel (1994). "1208" . Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. II. Routledge. p. 963. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6 .
 
Hellre en fågel i handen än tio i skogen.
Translation: Rather one bird in the hand, than ten in the woods.
English equivalent: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Meaning: Value the things you already have more than the things you might never get.
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 28. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 29 July 2013.
 
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 50
Hellre fria en skyldig än fälla en oskyldig.
Translation: It is better to free someone guilty than to convict someone innocent.
Note: Originally from Voltaire .
Source: Ström (1981), p. 360
Hoppet är det sista som lämnar människan.
Translation: Hope is the last thing to leave a human being.
Source: Liljeholm (1981), p. 102
Hungern är bästa kryddan.
Translation: Hunger is the best flavouring.
Note: From the Greece philosopher Socrates .
Source: Ström (1981), p. 133
Hur man än vänder sig har man ändan bak.
Translation: Whichever way you turn you have your end in the back.
Meaning: Things seems to go wrong no matter what you do.
Note: Used to express frustration.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 299
Hut går hem.
Translation: Hoots goes home.
Meaning: If you treat others in a bad way, you are likely to be treated in a bad way yourself.
Source: Silva (2008)
Translation: The pillow is the best adviser.
English equivalent: Take counsel of one's pillow.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 205
Hälsan tiger still.
Translation: Health is quietly keeping silent [sic!].
Note: From the Odal farmer written by Erik Gustaf Geijer .
Meaning: Those who are healthy do not appreciate it.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 74
Hämnden är ljuv.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 257
Högmod går före fall.
English equivalent: Pride goes before a fall.
Meaning: If you are too proud and overconfident, you will make mistakes leading to your defeat.
Note: From the Book of Proverbs 18:12.
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 24
I de blindas rike är den enögde kung.
Translation: In the realm of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
English equivalent: Among the blind, the one-eyed is king.
"People of only limited capability can succeed when surrounded by those who are even less able than themselves."
Martin H. Manser (207). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 143. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages . p. 2.
 
Source: Topelius Bokförlag (1974), p. 12
I de lugnaste vattnen går de fulaste fiskarna.
Translation: In the calmest waters swim the ugliest fish.
English equivalent: An honest look covereth many faults.
Meaning: An innocent demeanor may hide much guilt.
Note: “Ugly fish” is a Swedish idiom for a suspicious or dishonest person, possibly with criminal tendencies.
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 127. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 75
I krig och kärlek är allt tillåtet.
Translation and English equivalent: All is fair in love and war.
Meaning: Nothing is out of bounds when it comes to love and war.
"Any action, however mean or unscrupolous, is permissible in certain situations."
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 6. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 186
I mörker är alla katter grå.
English equivalent: All cats are grey in the dark.
Meaning: In the dark, physical appearance is unimportant.
"We judge others according to results; how else?—not knowing the process by which results are arrived at."
George Eliot, The Mill on the Floss (1860), Book VII, Chapter II; in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 411-12.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 319
I nöden prövas vännen.
English equivalent: A friend in need is a friend indeed.
"Pure friendship is something which men of an inferior intellect can never taste."
Jean de La Bruyère, The Characters or Manners of the Present Age (1688), Chapter V.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 156
I vinet kommer sanningen fram.
Translation: The truth comes forward in wine.
English equivalent: In wine there is truth.
Meaning: Alcohol consumed removes the inhibition against telling the truth that occasionally one would like to keep secret.
Source for meaning and proverbs: Paczolay, (1997) p. 272
I öknen är sanden billig.
Translation: In the desert sand is cheap.
English equivalent: Beggars can’t be choosers.
Meaning: People with no other options must be content with what is offered.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 704
Ibland kan man inte se skogen på grund av alla träd.
English equivalent: Can’t see the forest for the trees.
Meaning: Pay too much attention to details and not understand the general situation.
"If you are living in the past or in the future, you will never find a meaning in the present."
Fausto Cercignani in Simply Transcribed : Quotations from Fausto Cercignani"" (2013) by Brian Morris, p. 9.
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 70
Idel solsken gör öken.
Translation: Constant sunshine makes a desert.
Meaning: You can have too much of something good.
English equivalent: Too much of one thing, good for nothing
Source: Lind (2004), p. 51
Inga nyheter är goda nyheter.
Translation: No news is good news.
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 93
Inga träd växer till himmelen.
Translation: No trees grow to the sky.
English equivalent: All that is fair must fade.
"Nothing lasts forever."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 21 September 2013.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 93
Ingen rök utan eld.
Translation: No smoke without fire..
English equivalent: Every why has its wherefore.
"The more of the context of a problem that a scientist can comprehend, the greater are his chances of finding a truly adequate solution ."
Russell L. Ackoff , The development of operations research as a science (1956)
Source: Ström (1981), p. 166
Ingen är oumbärlig.
Translation: No one is indispensable.
Source:
Nyberg, Berndt (1965). Skäl för kaniner (Norstedt ed.). p. 26.
 
Ingen är profet i sitt eget land/i sin egen hemstad.
Translation: No one is a prophet in one's own homeland/home city.
Note: From the Bible, Luke 4:24 and Matthew 13:57.
English equivalent: A prophet is not honoured in his own country.
Meaning: An outstanding person is often less respected at home than elsewhere. This may be due to personal reasons unrelated to his achievments, or the result of being in an indifferent/ignorant/hostile community.
Source for meaning: Paczolay (1997), p. 327
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 275
Ingenting är nytt under solen.
Translation: Nothing is new under the sun.
Note: From the Bible, Ecclesiastes 1:9.
Meaning: Someone has always done the same thing earlier.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 354
Inget kalas utan kras.
Translation: No party without shattering.
Note: Usually said by the host to a guest who has just broken something.
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 108
Inget ont som inte har något gott med sig.
Translation: No bad thing that doesn't bring something good.
English equivalent: No cloud without a silver lining.
Meaning: You can derive some benefit from every bad thing that happens to you.
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 123
Inget är så bra att det inte kan göras bättre.
Translation: Nothing is so good that it can't be made better.
Source: James (2008)
Ju fler kockar desto sämre soppa.
Translation: The more chefs, the worse the soup.
Note: 'Soppa' (soup) can also mean a mess, and an alternative form is "ju fler kockar desto större soppa" ("the more chefs the more soup (mess)").
English equivalent: Too many cooks spoil the broth.
"You may apply this truth to any province; for instance, the literary profession. Though each may be good in his trade or profession, they are not generally so inclined to agree together, from their different tastes and modes of accomplishment; whence the common saying, 'No enemies so great, as those of the same craft'"
Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. p. 173.
 
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 73
Ju närmare källan, desto klarare vatten.
Translation: The closer to the source, the clearer the water.
Closest English equivalent: The sweetest flesh is near the bone.
Source: Hierta (1865), p. 50
Ju senare på kvällen, desto vackrare folk.
Translation: The later in the evening, the more beautiful the people.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 349
Translation: Cookie searches for a wife .
Note: In Swedish cookie and wife rhymes, thus indicating that those two are similar.
English equivalent: Like will to like.
Meaning: Every man loves well what is like to himself.
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Folk-Etymology . Ardent Media. 1886. p. 216.
 
Source: Åberg (2004), p. 155
Kasta inte pärlor för svin.
English equivalent: Don’t throw pearls before swine.
Meaning: Don’t waste something good on someone who doesn’t care about it.
Note: From the Bible, Matthew 7:6.
Source: Martling (2001), p. 85
Kasta inte ut barnet med badvattnet.
Translation and English equivalent: Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Meaning: Don’t reject something in its entirety just because parts of it are bad; other parts might be good.
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 66. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 25 August 2013.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 178
Kasta inte sten i glashus.
English equivalent: People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
Meaning: Don’t criticize others if you have similar weaknesses yourself.
"Every man knows there are evils in this world which need setting right. To some, one particular evil stands out with such startling vividness that they lose sight of other evils, or look upon them as the natural consequence of their own particular evil-in-chief."
Henry Hazlitt, Thinking As A Science (1916)
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 29
Klaga inte över för lite vind - lär dig segla.
Translation: Don’t complain about lack of wind – learn to sail.
"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds."
Francis Bacon Essays (1625)
"What makes a problem a problem is not that a large amount of search is required for its solution, but that a large amount would be required if a requisite level of intelligence were not applied."
Allen Newell and Herbert Simon , (1975) Computer Science as Empirical Inquiry: Symbols and Search. Turing Award Lecture. p. 122
Source:
Translation: Comes time, comes counsel .
Source: Stiessel (1983), p. 32
Kläderna gör mannen.
Translation: Clothing makes the man.
English equivalent: The tailor makes the man.
"A perrson's qualities may be judged by the clothes they wear."
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 257. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 270
Kärleken är blind.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 46
Kärt barn har många namn.
Translation: A beloved child has many names.
Meaning: Someone or something which is popular is often referred to by many different epithets.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 178
Köp inte grisen i säcken.
Translation: Don’t buy the pig in the bag.
English equivalent: Let the buyer have a thousand eyes for the seller wants only one.
"I formulate my law, which was wrung out of me after twenty years of wearying defense of science fiction against attacks of people who used the worst examples of the field for ammunition, and whose conclusion was that ninety percent of SF is crud. Using the same standards that categorize 90% of science fiction as trash, crud, or crap, it can be argued that 90% of film, literature, consumer goods, e.tc is crap."
English equivalent: You can’t unring a bell.
Meaning: Said when something cannot be undone or taken back.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 87
Lat skräddare tar en lång tråd.
Translation: A lazy tailor uses a long thread.
Meaning: Lazy people are wasteful.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 142
Lika barn leka bäst.
Translation: Alike children play the best.
English equivalent: Birds of a feather flock together.
"To like and dislike the same things, that is indeed true friendship."
Catiline‎, quoted by Sallust in Catiline's War, Book XX, pt. 4.
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 364
Lita inte till en annan, det du själv kan göra.
Translation: Don't trust for others, what you can do yourself.
English equivalent: For what thou canst do thyself, rely not on another.
Latin equivalent: Ne quid expectes amicos, quod tute agere possis.
Source: Strauss (1994), p. 600
Liten tuva stjälper ofta stort lass.
Translation: A small tuft often overturns a big load.
"For want of a nail, the shoe was lost, for want of a shoe, the horse was lost, for want of a horse, the messenger was lost, for want of a messenger, the battle was lost, for want of a battle, the kingdom was lost."
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 132
Lyckan kan inte köpas för pengar.
Translation and English equivalent: Money cannot buy happiness.
Source: Lönnroth (1978), p. 261
Lyckan kommer lyckan går.
Translation: Happiness comes happiness leaves.
English equivalent: The wheel of fortune is forever in motion.
Meaning: "People's fortunes are constantly changing – somebody who has good luck one year may have bad luck the next, and vice versa. "
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 295. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Stolpe (1987), p. 51
Lyckan står den djärve bi.
Translation and English equivalent: Fortune favours the bold.
Meaning: "Those who act boldly or courageously are most likely to succeed."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 94. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 240
Lägg inte alla ägg i samma korg.
Translation: All eggs should not be put in one basket,
English equivalent: Don't put all the eggs in the same basket.
Meaning: "Spread your risks or investments so that if one enterprise fails you will not lose everything."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 18 August 2013.
 
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 181
Lägg inte sten på börda.
Translation: Don't put stones on a burden.
English equivalent: Don't add fuel to the fire.
Meaning: One should not make a bad situation even worse by an improper remark.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 149
Lärdom är mer värt än guld.
Translation: Insight is more valuable than gold.
Note: From the Bible, Book of Proverbs 16:16: or from Hávamál .
Source: Stolpe (1987), p. 24
Lätt fånget, lätt förgånget.
Translation: Easily caught, easily lost.
English equivalent: Easy come, easy go.
"Unrighteous fortune seldom spares the highest worth; no one with safety can long front so frequent perils. Whom calamity oft passes by she finds at last."
Hercules Furens (The Madness of Hercules), l. . ,ines 325-328; (Megara).
Source: Ström (1968), p. 5
Lättare döljer en vis sin visdom än en dåre sin dårskap.
Translation: Easier hides a wise man his wisdom than a fool his madness.
Source: Holm (1975), p. 69
Lättare sagt än gjort.
Translation and English equivalent: Easier said than done.
Meaning: "It is usually far easier to advice, suggest, or talk about doing something than actually to do it."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 70. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 7 September 2013.
 
Source: Stolpe (1987), p. 22
Låt inte gräset gro under fötterna.
Translation: Don't let grass grow on your feet.
Meaning: Try new things!
Source: Brombergs Bokförlag (2004), p. 151
Låt inte vargen vakta fåren.
English equivalent: A nice wife and a back door oft do make a rich man poor.
"Do not put somebody in a position where he or she will be tempted to wrongdoing."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 62. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 19 August 2013.
 
English equivalent: He sets the fox to keep his geefe.
Meaning: "This Proverb reflects upon the ill Conduct of Men in the Management of their Affairs, by intrufting either Sharpers with their Money, Blabs with their Secrets, or Enemies or Informer: with their Lives: For no Obligation can bind againft Nature: A Fox will love a Goofe ftill, though his Skin be ftript over his Ears for it; and a Common Cheat will always follow his old Trade of tricking his Friend, in fpite of all Promifes and Principle: of Honour, Honefty, and good Faith."
Source for meaning: Divers Proverbs, Nathan Bailey, 1721 [3]
Source: Myrdal (1968), p. 61
Låt maten tysta mun.
Translation: Let the food silence the mouth.
Meaning: Said when someone is being inappropriately loud at the dinner table — often to children.
Source: Scheffler (1997), p. 21
Lögnaren blir bara trodd en gång.
Translation: The liar will only be trusted once.
Closest English equivalent: A liar is not believed when he tells the truth.
Meaning: "Liars must remember the untruths they have told, to avoid contradicting themselves at some later date."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 166. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Man måste lära sig krypa innan man kan gå.
Translation: You must learn to crawl before you can walk.
English equivalent: Learn to walk before you can run.
Meaning: "It is necessary to learn the basics before progressing to more advanced things."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 290. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 175
Magen mättas förr än ögat.
Translation: The stomach gets full before the eye.
English equivalent: The eye is bigger than the belly.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 132
Man får ta saken i egna händer.
Translation: One must take matters into one's own hands.
Meaning: If something is bugging you, take care of the problem yourself.
Source: Egard (2003), p. 125
Man får ta seden dit man kommer.
Translation: Take the custom where you come.
English equivalent: When in Rome, do as the Romans. When among wolves you must howl.
"You should always follow the customs, rules and laws of the place where you are."
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. pp. 296–. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 160
Man har aldrig roligare än vad man gör sig.
Translation: You never have more fun than what you do.
Meaning: How much fun you have depends on what you choose to do.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 130
Man hör vad man vill höra.
Translation: You hear what you want to hear.
English equivalent: None is as deaf as he who does not want to hear.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 293
Man lär så länge man lever.
Translation: One learns as long as one lives.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 126
Man lär sig av misstagen.
Translation: One learns from mistakes.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 548
Man kan inte både äta kakan och ha kakan kvar.
Translation: One cannot both eat one's cookie and keep it.
English equivalent: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Meaning: "You cannot do two mutually incompatible things at the same time."
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 310. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Åström (1997), p. 190
Man kan inte lära gamla hundar sitta.
Translation: You can't teach old dogs to sit.
English equivalent: You can't teach an old dog new tricks.
Meaning: "Old people are often unwilling or unable to learn new skills or adopt new methods."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 314. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 315
Man måste rätta munnen efter matsäcken.
Translation: You have to correct your mouth according to your lunch pack.
English equivalent: Cut your coat according to your cloth.
Meaning: You have to match your revenues with your expenses.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 128
Man saknar inte kon förrän båset är tomt.
Translation: You don't miss the cow until the stall is empty.
English equivalent: You never miss the well till it runs dry.
Meaning: "We tend to take some things for granted, and become aware of their value only when they are no longer available."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Manser, Martin H. (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 316. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 283
Man ska inte bjuda bagarbarn på bullar.
Translation: One should not offer cinnamon rolls to baker's children.
Meaning: Avoid doing redundant things.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 21
Man skall inte byta häst mitt i strömmen.
Translation: One should not change horses in the middle of the stream.
Note: When in water it is ardous to mount and dismount.
English equivalent: Don't change horses in midstream.
Meaning: It is often wise not to quit an undertaking already begun.
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 18 August 2013.
 
*
Holm, Pelle (1981) [1939]. Ett ord i rättan tid och 3529 andra ordspråk och talesätt i urval av Pelle Holm. Sweden: Albert Bonniers Förlag AB. p. 28. ISBN 91-0-043076-5 .
 
Man ska inte buga för dumheten bara för att den är gammal.
Translation: One should not bow before stupidity merely because it is old.
English equivalent: Might is not always right.
Meaning: Authorities, old customs and old institutions might be in the wrong.
Source: Nyhlén (2011)
Man ska inte döma hunden efter håren.
Translation: You should not judge a dog by its fur.
English equivalent: Never judge a book by its cover; Never judge by appearances.
Meaning: "Do not make a judgment about something or somebody on the basis of outward appearance alone."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Manser, Martin H. (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 158. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 315
Man ska inte gjuta olja på elden.
Translation: One should not add oil to the fire.
English equivalent: Don't add fuel to the fire.
Meaning: One should not make a bad situation even worse by an improper remark.
Source for meaning and proverbs: Paczolay (1997), p. 338
Man ska inte gråta över spilld mjölk.
Translation: Do not weep over spilled milk.
Meaning: Dwelling on past mishaps will only waste your time.
Source: Åström (2004), p. 158
Man tröttnar aldrig på att arbeta för sig själv.
Translation: You never get tired of working for yourself.
English equivalent: A man does not feel a burden of his own choosing.
Source: Falk (2001), p. 105
Man är alltid sig själv närmast.
Translation: You are always closest to yourself.
English equivalent: Skin is nearer than the skirt.
Meaning: When you make decisions you choose which is best for yourself rather than taking into consideration ethical or ideological convictions.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 254
Medan gräset gror, dör kon.
English equivalent: While the grass grows the steed starves.
"Whatever is done well enough is done quickly enough."
Augustus, In Suetonius , Lives of the Twelve Caesars
Rooth (1968), p. 77
Mister du en så står dig tusen åter.
Translation: If you lose one, there are a thousand more to choose from.
Meaning: Usually used concerning broken hearts. There is also a continuation for it: Väljer du en så är det tusen som gråter. (If you choose one, a thousand will cry.).
English equivalent: There are plenty of fish in the sea.
Source: Ström (2000), p. 238
Morgonstund har guld i mund.
Translation: Morning hour has gold in its mouth.
Note: 'Mund' is an older spelling of 'mun' ('mouth') that mostly survives in this proverb. 'Mund' has been used since 1523 according to the Swedish Academy's dictionary.
English equivalent: The early bird catches the worm.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 25
Mycket vill ha mer.
English equivalent: Much would have more.
Meaning: When you have much of something, you will want even more.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 373
Måla inte fan på väggen.
English equivalent: Don't paint the devil on the wall.
"There is nothing so wretched or foolish as to anticipate misfortunes. What madness it is in your expecting evil before it arrives!"
Seneca, Epistolæ Ad Lucilium
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 158
Många bäckar små, blir till en stor å.
English equivalent: Small streams make great rivers.
"We can only pin down what blocks or obliterates success. Eliminate the downside, the thinking errors, and the upside will take care of itself."
Rolf Dobelli, The art of thinking clearly (2013)
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 25
Många hugg fälla eken.
English equivalent: Many strokes cut down great oaks.
Meaning: A difficult task, e. g. removing a person/group from a strong position, or changing established ideas cannot be done quickly. It can be achieved gradually, by small steps, a little at a time.
Source: Paczolay (1997), p. 252
Source for meaning: Paczolay (1997), p. 252
Människan spår, men gud rår.
English equivalent: Man proposes, God disposes.
"Plans are insulted destinies. I don't have plans, I only have goals."
Ash Chandler, Freudian Slip, Mumbai Mirror Buzz, April 2006.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 93
Translation: New brooms sweep the best.
English equivalent: A new broom sweeps clean.
Meaning: "We should never use an old tool when the extra labor in consequence costs more than a new one. Thousands wear out their lives and waste their time merely by the use of dull and unsuitable instruments."
Alternate meaning: "We often apply it to exchanges among servants, clerks, or any persons employed, whose service, at first, in any new place, is very good, both efficient and faithful; but very soon, when all the new circumstances have lost their novelty, and all their curiosity has ceased, they naturally fall into their former and habitual slackness."
Source for meaning:
Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. p. 38.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 260
Någon måtta får det vara.
Translation: There must be some moderation.
Source: Granlid (1975), p. 118
När det regnar manna från himlen har den fattige ingen sked.
Translation: When it rains manna from heaven, the poor one does not have a spoon.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 276
När det regnar på prästen, så droppar det på klockaren.
Translation: When it rains on the priest, it dripples on the sacristan.
Meaning: When someone is successful, his subordinates are a little better off as well.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 112
När fan blir gammal blir han religiös.
Translation: When the devil grows old he turns religious.
Meaning: People often become more religious as they get closer to death. Also used metaphorically when people appear to change in self-serving ways.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 78
När Gud kommer med döden, kommer fan med arvingarna.
Translation: When God brings death, the devil brings heirs.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 40
När man talar om trollen så står de i farstun och lyssnar.
Translation: When you're speaking about the trolls, they're standing in the entrance hall listening.
Note: Usually said when someone you were just speaking about enters the room. The expression is often shortened to just 'när man talar om trollen...' ('speaking of the trolls...').
English equivalent: Speak of the devil...
Source: Åström (2004), p. 160
När musen är mätt, smakar mjölet beskt.
Translation: When the mouse is full, the flour tastes bitter.
Meaning: When you finally got something, you don't appreciate it anymore.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 231
När nöden är som störst är hjälpen som närmast.
Translation: When distress is the greatest, help is the nearest.
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 42
När katten är borta dansar råttorna på bordet.
Translation: When the cat is away, the rats dance on the table.
English equivalent: When the cat's away, the mice will play.
Meaning: "In the absence of the person in authority those under his control will often neglect the duties/rules imposed on them."
Source for meaning and proverbs:
Martin H. Manser (2007). "17" . The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 114. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 8 September 2013.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 139
Nära skjuter ingen hare.
Translation: Close does not shoot any hares.
English equivalent: Close but no cigar.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 385
Nöden har ingen lag.
Translation: Distress knows no law.
English equivalent: Necessity has no law.
Meaning: It is acceptable to break rules in times of need.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 248
Nöden är uppfinningarnas moder.
Translation and English equivalent: Necessity is the mother of invention.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 255
Om en blind leder en blind, så faller de båda i gropen.
Translation: If a blind one leads another, they both fall together.
Note: From the Bible, Matthew 15:14.
English equivalent: If a blind leads a blind man both shall fall into a ditch.
Meaning: "A person ignorant or inexperienced in something cannot assist someone similar."
Source: Ström (1981), p. 293
Source for meaning: Paczolay (1997, p. 203)
Om kvällen får den late brått.
Translation: During the evening the lazy get in a hurry.
Note: This proverb refers to people "going out".
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 72
Om man ger någon ett finger vill han ha hela handen.
Translation: If you give someone a finger he wants the whole hand.
English equivalent: Give him an inch and he will take a yard.
Meaning: "People are inclined to take excessive advantage of the tolerance or generosity of others; often used to warn against making even the smallest concession."
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 91
Omväxling förnöjer.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 103
Ont krut förgås inte så lätt.
Translation: Evil gun powder doesn't go away easily.
Note: This proverb is a folk etymological misunderstanding of the German 'unkraut vergeht nicht' ('bad weeds grow tall').
Meaning: Adverse things are long lived.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 132
Ont skall med ont fördrivas.
Translation: Evil shall by evil be expelled.
English equivalent: Fight fire with fire; Like cures like.
Note: Originally from unscientific medicine, earliest written form is known to be from 1623.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 259
Osvuret är bäst.
Translation: Best to be without oaths.
Meaning: Avoid making promises (to yourself as well).
English equivalent: Be quick to act, and slow to promise.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 191
Otack är världens lön.
Translation: Ingratitude is the world's reward.
Meaning: Said when it is felt that someone hasn't received the praise or compensation he deserves.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 30
Pengar luktar inte.
Translation: Money does not smell.
Notes: Originally a Latin proverb, "pecunia non olet", which might first have been said by the emperor Vespasian after he had introduced a urine tax on public toilets.
Meaning: Money has a value regardless of how it is earned.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 235
Pengar växer inte på träd.
Translation: Money does not grow on trees.
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 94
Pengar öppnar alla portar utom himmelens.
Translation: Money opens all gates but heaven's.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 232
Prisa inte dagen förrän solen har gått ner.
Translation: Don't praise the day before the sun has set.
Meaning: Don’t celebrate until you are 100% sure there is a reason to.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 357
På rullande sten växer ingen mossa.
Translation: A rolling stone gathers no moss.
Meaning: "The unsettled person does not prosper."
Source for meaning:
Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "14" . European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 100. ISBN 1-875943-44-7 .
 
Meaning: "There are a Set of People in the World of so unsettled and restleis a Temper, and such Admirers of Novelty, that they can never be long pleased with one way of’ living, no more than to continue long in one Habitation; but before they are well enter’d upon one Busness, dip into another, and before they are well fettled in one Habitation, remove to another; so that they are always busily beginning to live, but by reason of Fickleness and Impatience, never arrive at a way of living: such Persons fall under the Doom of this Proverb, which is delign’d to fix the Volatility of their Tempers, by laying before them the ill Consequences of such Fickleness and Inconltancy."
Source for meaning: Divers Proverbs, Nathan Bailey, 1721 [4]
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 661
Politiker är som krokodiler, stora i käften men saknar öron.
Translation: Politicians are like crocodiles — big jaws but no ears.
Source: Falk (2005), p. 95
Rom byggdes inte på en dag.
Translation: Rome was not built in one day.
Meaning: "Large undertakings need proper time to complete, they cannot be done quickly."
Source: Ström (1981), p. 381
Source for meaning:
Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "100" . European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 449. ISBN 1-875943-44-7 .
 
Ropa inte hej förrän du är över bäcken.
Translation: Don't celebrate until you have crossed the creek.
Note: "Hej" is a common way to greet other people, but was used in a more celebratory sense when this proverb emerged.
Meaning: Don't cap a victory in advance, and don't announce something officially which you are not entirely sure of.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 132
Meaning: Said when someone gets in trouble due to having acted in a bad way.
Source: Martling (2001)
Sagt ord och kastad sten kan inte tas tillbaka.
Translation and English equivalent: A spoken word and a thrown stone cannot be called back.
Meaning: You can't take back what you have said.
Source: Stolpe (1987), p. 58
Sakta men säkert.
Translation: Slow but steady.
Notes: Usually said when work is progressing slowly but still heading in the right direction. The word säkert has several meanings (surely, certainly, safely, securely), p. somewhat broadening the use of the proverb, though most Swedes probably would agree that it is mainly used to express certainty about the progress of the work.
English equivalent: Slow and steady wins the race.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 133
(För) sent skall syndaren vakna.
Translation: (Too) late shall the sinner awaken.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 322
Själv är bästa dräng.
Translation: Self is the best farmhand.
English equivalent: If you want something done, do it yourself.
"There are many situations in life, and particularly in the commercial world, where a man cannot by any diligence inform himself of the degree of credit which ought to be given to the persons with whom he deals; in which cases he must apply to those whose sources of intelligence enable them to give that information. The law of prudence leads him to apply to them, and the law of morality ought to induce them to give the information required."
Lord Kenyon, C.J., Pasley v. Freeman (1789), 3 T. R. 51.
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 71
Skam den som ger sig.
Translation: Shame on he who gives up.
Source: Östergren (1978), p. 9
Skadeglädjen är den enda sanna glädjen.
Translation: Schadenfreude is the only true joy.
"Now hatred is by far the longest pleasure; Men love in haste, but they detest at leisure."
Lord Byron, Don Juan (1818-24), Canto XII, Stanza 6.
Source: Åberg (1997), p. 85
Skenet bedrar.
Translation: Appearances deceive.
English equivalent: Never judge by appearances; Judge not a man and things at first sight.
Meaning: "Things are not always as they seem, and you can not necessarily trust the evidence of your eyes."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 10. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 18 June 2013.
 
Source: Bengtsson (1967), p. 100
Skjut inte dig själv i foten.
Translation: Don't shoot yourself in the foot.
Source:
Hans Schottmann (June 2012). Vergleichende Idiomatik des Schwedischen . LIT Verlag Münster. p. 74. ISBN 978-3-643-11733-5 .
 
Skjut inte upp till morgondagen det du kan göra idag.
English equivalent: Don't postpone till tomorrow what you can do today.
"We all have a mental list of 'I should have's.'"
Jim Rohn, The Art of Success" (1991)
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 69
Skomakare bliv vid din läst.
Translation: Cobbler, stick to your last.
English equivalent: A blind man should not judge of colours.
"An uneducated man cannot judge of the attainments of the learned."
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 361
Skrattar bäst, som skrattar sist.
Translation: He laughs best who laughs last.
English equivalent: He who laughs last, laughs longest.
"Minor successes or failures along the way are of no significance – the person who is ultimately triumphant is the only real winner."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
"I told the world one day I would pay it back."
Marshall Matters I Need a Doctor (2011)
Source: Ström (1981), p. 255
Skynda långsamt.
Meaning: Do your work slowly to make sure it gets done thoroughly.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 288
Skåda inte given häst i mun.
Translation: Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Note: From the fact that the age of a horse can be determined from its teeth.
English equivalent: Look not a horse in the mouth.
Meaning: "And so with respect to gifts and donations in general, whether their value be more or less, they should be accounted tokens of kindness and received with promptness and cordiality."
Source for meaning:
Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order ... . Munroe and Company. p. 127.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 308
Slutet gott, allting gott.
Note: Originally from William Shakespeare .
English equivalent: All is well that ends well.
"Problems and misfortunes along the way can be forgotten as long as the end is satisfactory."
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 14. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 316
Smakar det så kostar det.
Translation: If it tastes good it is expensive.
English equivalent: If you buy quality you only cry once.
Meaning: You get what you pay for.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 296
Smaken är som baken, delad.
Translation: Taste is like the buttocks, divided.
English equivalent: There is no accounting for taste.
Meaning: Taste is subjective.
Source: Hellquist (1986), p. 174
Smedens häst och skomakarens ungar är sämst skodda.
Translation: The smith's horse and the shoemakers children are worst shod.
English equivalent: Cobblers' children are worst shod.
Meaning: "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him."
Source for meaning and proverbs:
Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "7" . European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 65. ISBN 1-875943-44-7 .
 
Små smulor är också bröd.
Translation: Small crumbles are bread too.
"Alas! to-day I would give everything to see a friend's face, or hear a voice that had the slightest tone of comfort in it."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Judas Maccabæus: Ström (1981), p. 106
Små sår och fattiga vänner ska man inte förakta.
Translation: Small wounds and poor friends should not be despised.
Source: Rooth (1968), p. 87
Snålheten bedrar visheten.
English equivalent: If you buy cheaply you pay dearly.
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 20
Som de gamla sjunga, så kvittra de unga.
Translation: As old people sing, young people tweet.
Meaning: Young people grow up to be like old people.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 263
Som fan läser bibeln.
Translation: The way the devil reads the bible.
Note: Developed from passages in the Bible in Luke 4:1-13, Matthew 4:1-11, and Psalms 91:11-12.
English equivalent: The devil can cite scripture for his purpose. (From Shakespeare, Merchant in Venice act 1, scene 3)
Source: Martling (1991), p. 34
Som man bäddar får man ligga.
Translation: As you make your bed, so will you sleep (or the way you make your bed is the way you will lie).
English equivalent: As you make your bed, so you must lie.
"You must put up with the unpleasant results of a foolish action or decision."
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 14. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 31
Som man ropar får man svar. Also: Som man ropar i skogen får man svar.
Translation: As you shout you get will be answered. (As you shout in the forest you will be answered.)
Meaning: General: The way you formulate a question or a statement will affect the answer you get. Also: your own behavior affects other people's behavior towards you, e.g., You will be treated politely to the same extent that you yourself act politely.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 339
Som man sår får man skörda.
Translation and English equivalent: As you sow, so shall you reap.
English equivalent: What you reap is what you sow.
Meaning: The consequences are directly related to one's actions.
Source for meaning:
Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "2" . European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 38. ISBN 1-875943-44-7 .
 
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 31
Som man är klädd blir man hädd.
Translation: As one is dressed one will be judged.
English equivalent: Fine feathers make fine birds.
Meaning: "By dressing in elegant or good-quality clothing, people create a favorable impression on others, often appearing to be of better breeding or higher class than they are".
Source for meaning of English quality:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 87. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 27 September 2013.
 
Source: Åberg (1997), p. 38
Somliga straffar Gud direkt.
Translation: Some people are punished immediately by God.
Meaning: Used sarcastically when something bad — and possibly unrelated — happens to someone just after they have acted in a bad way.
Source: Rolfer (2006)
Sovande bonde får drömmande dräng.
Translation: Sleeping farmer gets a dreaming farmhand.
English equivalent: A sleepy master makes his servant a lout.
"No body can blame young women for putting the best side outmost, and concealing their bad humours till they get husbands : and yet many a good lass is made an ill wife by forward, graceless, ill-natur'd husbands."
Source: Ström (1981), p. 278
Spill inte krut på döda kråkor.
Translation: Don't waste gunpowder on dead crows.
English equivalent: Don't beat a dead horse.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 89
Spotta inte i motvind.
Don't spit in headwind.
English equivalent: Strive not against the stream.
"One does not plan and then try to make circumstances fit those plans. One tries to make plan s fit the circumstances."
George S. Patton , War as I Knew It (1947), p. 116.** Source: Ström (1981), p. 213
Stor i orden, liten på jorden.
Translation: Big in the words, small on the ground.
Notes: From the short story New Weapons written by August Strindberg .
English equivalent: The worst wheel makes the most noise.
Meaning: Said about braggarts that have little to show for themselves.
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 55
Surt sade räven om rönnbären. (or just surt sa räven)
Translation: 'Sour' said the fox about the rowanberries.
Meaning: From a story about a fox that wants to eat some rowanberries that he can't reach because they're high up in a tree. A crow lands in the tree and starts eating the berries. When the crow asks the fox if he wants some, the fox replies No, they're sour. The proverb can be used to state that you think someone really wants something the person claims they do not or that the person makes up an excuse for not wanting it because they cannot get it anyway.
English equivalent: Sour grapes.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 332
Svårigheter finns till för att övervinnas.
Translation: Adversity exists to be overcome.
"Remember brick walls let us show our dedication. They are there to separate us from the people who don't really want to achieve their childhood dreams."
Paul Rauncher , The Last Lecture (2007)
Source:
Så länge det finns liv finns det hopp.
Translation: While there is life there is hope.
Meaning: No matter how grave the situation is, there is always a chance that everything will work out.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 122
Sådan herre, sådan dräng/slav/hund.
Translation: Like master like farm hand/slave/dog.
Note: From Trimalchios feast by Petronius .
English equivalent: Like master, like man.
Meaning: "Servants and other workers tend to follow the good or bad example set by their employers."
Source for meaning of English equivalent::
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 170. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 213
Sådan moder, sådan dotter.
Translation: Such mother, such daughter.
English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
Meaning: "Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."
Source for meaning and proverbs: Paczolay (1997), p. 137
Sådan fader, sådan son.
Translation: Such father, such son.
English equivalent: Like father, like son.
Meaning: "Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."
Source for meaning and proverbs: Paczolay (1997), p. 170
Såga inte av den gren du sitter på.
Translation: Don't saw off the branch you're sitting on.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 58
Sälj inte skinnet förrän björnen är skjuten.
Translation: Don't sell the fur until the bear has been shot.
English equivalent: Sell not the bear's skin before you have caught him.
Meaning: "Do not plan too far ahead and do not be too optimistic. One cannot be sure of the success of a job until it is completed. Unforeseen unfavourable developments can never be excluded."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Paczolay, Gyula (1997). "X" . European proverbs: in 55 languages, with equivalents in Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, Chinese and Japanese. Veszprémi Nyomda. p. 217. ISBN 1-875943-44-7 .
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 304
Sök och du skall finna.
Translation and English equivalent: Seek and ye shall find.
Notes: From the Bible, Matthew 7:7-7:8.
Meaning: "You must make a personal effort to get what you want."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 240. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Translation: Grab the bull by its horns.
Meaning: To directly tackle a difficult problem.
Lundqvist, Peter (2011). Ta tjuren vid hornen: åtgärdsstrategier för säker djurhantering. Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet. pp. 23. ISBN 9186373609 .
 
Tala är silver, tiga är guld.
Translation: To speak is silver, to keep silent is gold.
English equivalent: Silence is golden.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 483
Tala med bönder på bönders vis och med de lärde på latin.
Translation: Speak with farmers like farmers speak, and with the educated in latin.
Meaning: Adjust your message after the receivers ability to understand what you are saying
Tiden går fort när man har roligt.
Translation: Time passes by quickly when you are enjoying yourself.
Source: Hagefors (1995), p. 74
Tiden läker alla sår.
Translation: Time heals all wounds.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 341
Tillfället gör tjuven.
Translation: Opportunity makes the thief.
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 108
Tomma tunnor skramlar mest.
Translation: Empty barrels are noisiest.
English equivalent: It's the empty can that makes the most noise.
Meaning: It is not he who advertises for himself the most that can achieve the greatest results.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 205
Trägen vinner.
English equivalent: God is with those who persevere; Persevere and never fear.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 536
Tron kan försätta berg.
Translation: Faith can move mountains.
English equivalent: Faith will move mountains.
Note: Compare with First Corinthians 13:2, and Mark 11:23.
Meaning: "Nothing is impossible to those who have sufficient faith; applied not only to religious faith, but to any strong belief in a cause or objective.".
Martin H. Manser; David Pickering (2003). The Facts On File Dictionary of Classical and Biblical Allusions . Infobase Publishing. p. 124. ISBN 978-0-8160-4868-7 . Retrieved on 25 September 2013.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 49
Tänk efter före.
Think before (you act).
English equivalent: Look before you leap.
The proverb is somewhat of a word game, as the Swedish expression for reflect, 'tänk efter', literally translates to 'think after', rendering the sentence 'think after before'. "The man who thinks before he acts, is most likely to act with discretion, and have no future cause to repent of his conduct; but he who acts blindly, without any foresight, will probably suffer for his rashness."
Var dag har nog av sin egen plåga.
Translation: Each day has enough of its own misery.
Note: From the Bible, Matthew 6:34.
English equivalent: Sufficient untill the day is the evil thereof.
"The best possible way to prepare for tomorrow is to concentrate with all your intelligence, all your enthusiasm, on doing today's work superbly today. That is the only possible way you can prepare for the future."
Dale Carnegie How to Stop Worrying and Start Living (1948)
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 236
Var sak har sin tid.
Translation: Each thing has its time.
English equivalent: Everythings in its season.
Note: From the Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1.
Source: Söderbäck (1989), p. 42
Var fågel sjunger efter sin egen näbb.
Translation: Each bird sings according to its own beak.
English equivalent: Different strokes, suit different folks.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 295
Var skall sleven vara om inte i grytan?
Translation: Where shall the ladle be if not in the cauldron?
English equivalent: Let him that is cold blow the coals.
"My definition of success is doing what you love. I feel many people do things because they feel they have to, and are hesitant to risk following their passion."
Tony Hawk, American businessman, entrepreneur, skateboard pro. Interviewed by Gary Cohn for Entrepreneur Magazine (October 2009)
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 315
Var smed har sin sed.
Translation: Each smith has his custom.
Meaning: Each household has its own customs.
Source: Svenska Akademin (1876), entry Smed
Varav hjärtat är fullt talar munnen.
Translation: Of what fills the heart speaks the mouth.
English equivalent: The tongue ever turns to the aching tooth; What the heart thinketh the tongue speaketh.
Note: From the Bible, Matthew 12:34.
"People cannot help thinking or talking about what is bothering them most at a particular time."
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 277. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 56
Varje moln har en silverkant.
Translation: Every cloud has a silver lining.
Meaning: Bad situations often bring something good with them.
Source: Holm (1981), p. 108
Varnad är väpnad.
Meaning: A warned person is prepared.
English equivalent: Warned is forearmed.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 185
Verkligheten överträffar dikten.
Translation: Reality surpasses the poem.
English equivalent: Fact is stranger than fiction.
Meaning: "Things that happen in real life are often far more unlikely than those dreamed up by writers."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 83. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 23 September 2013.
 
Source: Holm (1981), p. 171
Vill man vara fin får man lida pin.
English equivalent: No pain, no gain; Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Nothing can be achieved without suffering hardship and adversity.
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 205. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Pått (1996), p. 31
Vis är den som råd lyder, men oråd skall ingen lyda.
Translation: Those are wise that heed advice, but no one should heed dissuasive advice.
Closest English equivalent: He who cannot be adviced cannot be helped.
Meaning: Advice often contain a genuine warning or an effective suggestion, which is unprudent not to take into consideration.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 205
Visdomen har långa öron och kort tunga.
Translation: Wisdom has long ears and short tongue.
English equivalent: Nature gave us two ears and one mouth.
Source: Topelius Bokförlag (1974), p. 90
Väck inte den björn som sover.
Translation: Do not wake the bear that sleeps.
English equivalent: Let sleeping dogs lie.
Meaning: "Do not cause trouble by disturbing a stable – but potentially problematic – situation."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 165. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 116
Vännens örfil är ärligt menad, fiendens kyssar vill bedra.
Translation: A friend's slap has honest intentions, your enemies' kisses are meant to deceive.
English equivalent: A friend's frown is better than a foe's smile.
Other English equivalent: Many do kiss the hand they wish to see cut off.
Note: From the Book of Proverbs 27:6.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 155
Vägen till helvetet är kantad med goda föresatser.
English equivalent: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
"I think the old, sound, and honest maxim that 'you shall not do evil that good may come' is applicable in law as well as in morals."
Sir Alexander Cockburn, 12th Baronet, C.J., Reg. v. Hicklin and another (1868), 11 Cox, C. C. 27; S. C. 3 L. R. Q. B. 372; reported in Dictionary of Legal Quotations (1904) by James William Norton-Kyshe, p. 92.
Source: Åberg (2004), p. 93
Vägen till mannens hjärta går genom magen.
Translation and English equivalent: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
Meaning: "The best way to please a man is by feeding him well."
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 281
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 354. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 26 September 2013.
 
Translation: The walls have ears.
Meaning: Someone you are talking about will often overhear your conversation.
Source: Martinsson (1996), p. 281
Världen är liten.
Translation and English equivalent: It's a small world.
English equivalent: It's a small world.
Meaning: "It is amazing how often you meet somebody you know – or somebody who knows one of your friends or relatives, comes from your home town, or went to your school – in a distant or unexpected place; said when such a coincidence occurs."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 147. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Translation and English equivalent: The end justifies the means.
Note: This saying can be found in Ovid, Heroides (c. 10 BC): Exitus acta probat.
Meaning: "Any course of action, however immoral or unscrupulous, is justifiable if it achieves a worthy objective."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 73. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 8 September 2013.
 
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 400
Äpplet faller inte långt från trädet.
Translation: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
Source: Ström (1926), p. 337
Source for meaning: Paczolay (1997), p. 259
Är det inte det ena så är det det andra, sa flickan som blödde näsblod.
Translation: 'If it isn't one thing it's the other' said the girl with a nosebleed.
Meaning: There is always something to be dissatisfied with.
Source: Holmqvist (1991), p. 114
Är huvudet dumt får kroppen lida.
Translation: If the head is dumb, the body suffers.
Meaning: Said when someone hurts him or herself through a foolish act.
Ärlighet varar längst.
Translation: Honesty lasts the longest.
English equivalent: Honesty is the best policy.
Meaning: "Being honest or telling the truth is always the wisest course of action."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 128. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 .
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 186
Äras den som äras bör.
Translation: Honor whom should be honored.
English equivalent: Give credit where credit is due.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 402
Äta bör man annars dör man.
Translation: One should eat or one dies.
Source: Grenholm (2000), p. 403
Även den bäste kan fela.
Translation: Even the best can make mistakes.
English equivalent: A good marksman may miss.
Source: Dalin (1850), p. 744
Även dåren tros vis om han tiger.
Translation and English equivalent: Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is counted wise.
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 43
Även en blind höna kan hitta ett korn.
Translation: Even a blind hen can find a grain.
English equivalent: Even a blind pig may occasionally pick up an acorn.
Meaning: "An incompetent person or an unsystematic approach is bound to succeed every now and then by chance."
Source for meaning of English equivalent:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 75. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 8 September 2013.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 293
Även små grytor har öron. or Små grytor har också öron.
Translation: Small pots have ears too.
English equivalent: Little pitchers have big ears.
Meaning: Children often understand more than one might think.
Source: Wallensteen (1991), p. 95
Även solen har sina fläckar.
Translation: The sun also has its spots.
English equivalent: Every rose has its thorns.
Meaning: No one is perfect.
Source: Ström (1981), p. 356
Öga för öga, tand för tand.
Translation and English equivalent: Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.
Note: Originally from the Bible, Leviticus 24:19-21, Exodus 21:23-25 and Deuteronomy 19:16-21.
Meaning: "Retaliation or punishment should take the same form as the original offense or crime."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 82. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 23 September 2013.
 
Source: Ström (1981), p. 293
Ögonen vill ha mer än magen.
Translation: The eyes want more than the stomach.
English equivalent: The eye is bigger than the belly.
Meaning: "Greed persuades a person to take more the he or she can manage."
Source for meaning:
Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs . Infobase Publishing. p. 83. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5 . Retrieved on 23 September 2013.
 
Source: Holm (1981), p. 181
Övning ger färdighet.
English equivalent: Practice makes perfect.
Source: Bengtsson (1957), p. 121