Finnish language, known for its unique and complex structure, is also rich in idiomatic expressions. These expressions often reflect cultural aspects and historical events that are quintessentially Finnish. Understanding these idioms can provide deeper insights into the Finnish psyche and enhance the language learning experience. Here, we explore some popular Finnish idiomatic expressions, their meanings, and their intriguing origins.
Olla Nenästä Kiinni
This expression translates to “to be by the nose.” It is used to indicate that someone is being controlled or led by someone else, similar to the English idiom “to lead by the nose.”
Hän on täysin pomonsa nenästä kiinni.
Heittää Kirves Kaivoon
Literally meaning “to throw the axe into the well,” this idiom is used when someone is giving up on something after repeated failures. It’s akin to the English phrase “to throw in the towel.”
Hän heitti kirveensä kaivoon, kun yrittäminen kävi liian vaikeaksi.
Pannaan Koko Roska
Translated as “let’s put the whole mess,” this phrase means to go all in or to give it your all. It is used when someone decides to put all their resources or efforts into a single attempt or task.
Pannaan koko roska peliin, että voimme voittaa kilpailun.
Vetää Kotiinpäin
This means “to pull towards home” and is used when someone shows favoritism towards their own group, similar to the English “to pull strings.”
Hän aina vetää kotiinpäin, kun on kyse perheenjäsenten eduista.
Myrsky Vesilasissa
“Myrsky vesilasissa” translates to “a storm in a water glass,” which is similar to making a mountain out of a molehill. It is used to describe an overreaction to a minor issue.
Älä tee myrskyä vesilasista, se oli vain pieni virhe.
Joka Paikan Höylä
This idiom means “a plane for every place” and is used to describe a person who is versatile and can handle many different tasks. It’s similar to the English expression “Jack of all trades.”
Hän on todellinen joka paikan höylä, joka osaa tehdä melkein mitä tahansa.
Puhua Palturia
“Puhua palturia” means “to speak nonsense” and is used when someone is talking about things that are not true or making no sense, akin to “talking rubbish.”
Älä kuuntele häntä, hän puhuu vain palturia.
Nostaa Kissaa Pöydälle
This idiom translates to “to raise a cat onto the table,” and it means to bring up a difficult or uncomfortable topic for discussion, similar to the English “to put something on the table.”
On aika nostaa kissa pöydälle ja keskustella tästä ongelmasta.
Olla Monta Rautaa Tulessa
Meaning “to have many irons in the fire,” this expression is used to describe someone who is involved in many activities or projects at the same time.
Hänellä on monta rautaa tulessa, mutta hän hallitsee ne kaikki hyvin.
Seinät Kaatuvat Päälle
Translating to “the walls are falling on,” this idiom is used when someone feels extremely confined or suffocated in a situation, similar to “the walls are closing in.”
Minusta tuntuu, että seinät kaatuvat päälle tässä pienessä toimistossa.
Selkä Veti Köyryyn
This means “back bent into a hunch,” and is used to describe feeling defeated or exhausted. It reflects the physical manifestation of defeat or fatigue.
Pitkän työpäivän jälkeen selkäni veti köyryyn.
Elää Kuin Pellossa
“Elää kuin pellossa” translates to “live like in a field,” and it is used to describe a carefree and easy life, similar to “living the life of Riley.”
Hän elää kuin pellossa, ilman huolia ja murheita.
Understanding these idiomatic expressions not only enriches vocabulary but also gives language learners a glimpse into Finnish culture and social norms. As with any language, idioms in Finnish offer a unique way to express emotions and situations in a culturally relevant manner. Whether you’re a student of the language or a curious linguist, delving into these expressions can be both educational and entertaining.
