Signification
To manage several projects simultaneously.
Contexte culturel
In Norwegian job culture, being able to 'ha mange baller i lufta' is often listed as a key soft skill in job advertisements, especially for administrative and leadership roles. The concept of 'tidsklemma' (the time squeeze) is a common topic in Nordic media, and this idiom is frequently used to describe the struggle of balancing the famous Nordic work-life balance. While Norway has a flat hierarchy, the 'baller i lufta' metaphor is a way for employees to signal their value and productivity without sounding like they are bragging too much (avoiding Janteloven). Influencers in Norway often use this phrase to describe their 'hektiske hverdag' (hectic everyday life) to their followers.
Use it in your CV
This is a very positive phrase to include in a Norwegian CV or cover letter to show you are productive.
Don't overdo it
If you say you have 'altfor mange' (way too many) balls in the air, it might sound like you are about to burn out.
Signification
To manage several projects simultaneously.
Use it in your CV
This is a very positive phrase to include in a Norwegian CV or cover letter to show you are productive.
Don't overdo it
If you say you have 'altfor mange' (way too many) balls in the air, it might sound like you are about to burn out.
The 'Lufta' vs 'Luften' rule
Always use 'lufta' in this idiom. 'Luften' sounds too stiff and formal for this specific metaphor.
The Juggling Image
Norwegians really do visualize a juggler when they say this, so feel free to use your hands to mimic juggling for emphasis!
Teste-toi
Fyll inn det manglende ordet i uttrykket.
Som sjef må hun ha mange ______ i lufta.
Uttrykket er 'å ha mange baller i lufta'.
Hva betyr uttrykket 'å ha mange baller i lufta'?
Velg den beste definisjonen:
Dette er den figurative betydningen av idiomet.
Hvilken situasjon passer best for dette uttrykket?
Situasjon: En person som planlegger et bryllup, skriver en bok og pusser opp huset sitt.
Denne personen gjør mange store ting samtidig.
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Kan du hjelpe meg med denne rapporten? B: Beklager, jeg har akkurat nå ______.
B bruker uttrykket for å forklare at han er for travel.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Baller vs. Jern
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSom sjef må hun ha mange ______ i lufta.
Uttrykket er 'å ha mange baller i lufta'.
Velg den beste definisjonen:
Dette er den figurative betydningen av idiomet.
Situasjon: En person som planlegger et bryllup, skriver en bok og pusser opp huset sitt.
Denne personen gjør mange store ting samtidig.
A: Kan du hjelpe meg med denne rapporten? B: Beklager, jeg har akkurat nå ______.
B bruker uttrykket for å forklare at han er for travel.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, in a job interview, or with your friends.
Yes, but 'mange' is the standard. If you only have two, it's less of a 'juggling act'.
Usually yes, it implies competence. But it can be negative if you have *too* many and feel stressed.
You could say 'å ha lite å gjøre' (to have little to do) or 'å fokusere på én ting av gangen'.
No, this is almost exclusively used as a metaphor for tasks and projects.
Norwegian idioms often preserve the feminine '-a' ending because it sounds more traditional and idiomatic.
Yes, it is one of the most common clichés in Norwegian job advertisements.
No, that would mean you are holding them, not juggling them. The metaphor requires them to be in the air.
Yes, it is the idiomatic way to say multitasking.
Absolutely. 'Jeg har mange baller i lufta med både kor, trening og maling.'
Expressions liées
å ha mange jern i ilden
similarTo have many irons in the fire.
å ha hendene fulle
similarTo have one's hands full.
å være på ballen
builds onTo be on the ball.
å miste ballen
contrastTo drop the ball.
å holde hjulene i gang
similarTo keep the wheels turning.
