Common Swedish Proverbs

Here are some common Swedish proverbs and idioms we still use often:

“Ingen ko på isen”: “There’s no cow on the ice.”

Meaning: There’s nothing to worry about — everything is fine.

“Att gå som katten kring het gröt”: “To walk like the cat around hot porridge.”

Meaning: To beat around the bush / avoid getting straight to the point.

“Bättre sent än aldrig”: “Better late than never.”

“Man ska inte sälja skinnet innan björnen är skjuten”: “You shouldn’t sell the skin before the bear is shot.”

Meaning: Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

“Det faller inte farligt”: “It won’t fall dangerously.”

Meaning: It’ll be all right / it’s not a big problem.

“Skam den som ger sig”: “Shame on the one who gives up.”

Meaning: Never give up — keep trying.

These short expressions are still very much alive in everyday Swedish conversation.