Signification
To resolve a past conflict.
Contexte culturel
Swedes value 'rättvisa' (fairness) and 'ärlighet' (honesty), but often struggle with direct confrontation. 'Göra upp räkningen' is the linguistic release valve for this tension. In Swedish crime fiction, this phrase is almost a cliché. It signals the moment the detective or the criminal finally faces their past. In Swedish business, 'göra upp' can also mean reaching a final agreement after long negotiations, not necessarily with a negative tone. In older rural communities, 'räkningar' (debts) were often social favors. Settling them was a matter of family honor.
The Power of 'Upp'
Always emphasize the word 'upp'. If you emphasize 'göra', you sound like you are just starting a task. Emphasizing 'upp' signals the completion and the idiomatic meaning.
Too Dramatic?
Be careful using this with casual acquaintances. It implies a deep, serious history. Using it for a small disagreement can make you sound aggressive.
Signification
To resolve a past conflict.
The Power of 'Upp'
Always emphasize the word 'upp'. If you emphasize 'göra', you sound like you are just starting a task. Emphasizing 'upp' signals the completion and the idiomatic meaning.
Too Dramatic?
Be careful using this with casual acquaintances. It implies a deep, serious history. Using it for a small disagreement can make you sound aggressive.
The Swedish Way
In Sweden, 'göra upp' is often preceded by an invitation to 'fika'. A serious talk over coffee is the standard way to settle accounts.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Efter alla år av bråk var det dags att ______ upp ______.
The standard idiom is 'göra upp räkningen'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a figurative sense?
Välj rätt mening:
This sentence correctly uses the idiom to mean resolving a past conflict with a person.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Varför är du så nervös inför träffen med Sara? B: Vi har inte pratat sedan vi slutade jobba ihop. Det är dags att vi ______.
In this context, B is referring to settling a past interpersonal issue.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
När passar det bäst att säga 'Nu gör vi upp räkningen'?
The idiom is used for resolving significant past grievances (betrayals/svek).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEfter alla år av bråk var det dags att ______ upp ______.
The standard idiom is 'göra upp räkningen'.
Välj rätt mening:
This sentence correctly uses the idiom to mean resolving a past conflict with a person.
A: Varför är du så nervös inför träffen med Sara? B: Vi har inte pratat sedan vi slutade jobba ihop. Det är dags att vi ______.
In this context, B is referring to settling a past interpersonal issue.
När passar det bäst att säga 'Nu gör vi upp räkningen'?
The idiom is used for resolving significant past grievances (betrayals/svek).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsRarely. It usually implies a conflict or a 'debt' of some kind. However, it can be positive if it leads to 'försoning' (reconciliation).
Literally, yes, but Swedes usually just say 'betala' or 'ta notan' at restaurants. 'Göra upp räkningen' sounds more like a final settlement of a complex tab.
'Göra upp' is more general (to settle/agree). Adding 'räkningen' makes it more specific to a past grievance or a 'score' to settle.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but you will also see it in newspapers and books.
Yes! It's very common when a team wants to win against a rival that beat them previously.
Expressions liées
Göra upp en affär
similarTo close a deal
Ge igen
synonymTo give back / To retaliate
Sluta fred
contrastTo make peace
Dra ett streck över det
contrastTo draw a line over it / To forget it
