Significado
Suspecting that something is wrong.
Contexto cultural
In Sweden, 'fika' is often where 'det osar katt' is whispered. It's the social grease for discussing office politics and suspicions in a semi-private setting. Cats were historically seen as companions to witches or supernatural beings. This 'otherworldly' connection contributes to the idea that a 'cat smell' means something hidden or unnatural is happening. With the rise of 'catfishing' (pretending to be someone else online), Swedes often use 'det osar katt' as a pun when they suspect a fake profile. This phrase is a staple in Swedish noir. It sets the mood for a detective who relies on 'magkänsla' (gut feeling) rather than just forensic evidence.
Use 'Lång Väg'
Add 'lång väg' (a long way) to the end to say it smells fishy from a mile away. 'Det osar katt lång väg!'
Not for literal cats
If your actual cat smells bad, just say 'katten luktar illa'. Don't use the idiom or people will think you're being metaphorical.
Significado
Suspecting that something is wrong.
Use 'Lång Väg'
Add 'lång väg' (a long way) to the end to say it smells fishy from a mile away. 'Det osar katt lång väg!'
Not for literal cats
If your actual cat smells bad, just say 'katten luktar illa'. Don't use the idiom or people will think you're being metaphorical.
The 'Deckare' Vibe
Using this phrase makes you sound like a character in a Swedish crime novel. It's very idiomatic and native-like.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Jag litar inte på det här erbjudandet, det ____ katt.
The verb 'osar' is the specific word used in this idiom to denote a pungent, suspicious smell.
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Det osar katt'?
Scenario: Your friend offers to sell you a gold watch for 10 SEK.
A gold watch for 10 SEK is highly suspicious, which is exactly when you use 'det osar katt'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Varför vill han inte visa oss kontraktet? B: Jag vet inte, men det ____ ____ om hela saken.
The full idiom is 'det osar katt'.
Match the idiom to the meaning.
Match 'Det osar katt' with its meaning:
The idiom is used to express doubt or suspicion.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosJag litar inte på det här erbjudandet, det ____ katt.
The verb 'osar' is the specific word used in this idiom to denote a pungent, suspicious smell.
Scenario: Your friend offers to sell you a gold watch for 10 SEK.
A gold watch for 10 SEK is highly suspicious, which is exactly when you use 'det osar katt'.
A: Varför vill han inte visa oss kontraktet? B: Jag vet inte, men det ____ ____ om hela saken.
The full idiom is 'det osar katt'.
Match 'Det osar katt' with its meaning:
The idiom is used to express doubt or suspicion.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's not a swear word, but it is an accusation of dishonesty. Use it with friends, but be careful using it directly to someone's face in a professional setting.
No, that doesn't exist as an idiom. It's always 'katt'.
'Luktar' is a general smell. 'Osar' is a strong, often smoky or chemical smell, and is the only verb used for this idiom.
Yes, very! You will hear it in podcasts, news, and daily conversation.
No, the idiom is fixed as 'katt' (singular). You can't say 'det osar katter'.
Exactly the same. It's the direct cultural equivalent.
No, it is strictly for negative or suspicious situations.
You say 'Jag tycker att det osar katt' or 'Jag anar att det osar katt'.
It is used throughout the country and is standard Swedish.
There isn't a direct 'smell' idiom for the opposite, but you could say 'allt verkar vara i sin ordning' (everything seems to be in order).
Frases relacionadas
ana ugglor i mossen
synonymTo suspect something is wrong.
köpa grisen i säcken
similarTo buy something without inspecting it first.
ha en räv bakom örat
similarTo be sneaky or cunning.
lägga korten på bordet
contrastTo be completely honest and transparent.
