Signification
To have an initial opportunity or position.
Contexte culturel
In Finnish business culture, 'jalka oven välissä' often refers to the 'piilotyöpaikat' (hidden jobs) phenomenon. Many jobs are never advertised, so getting a foot in the door through networking is essential. The 'Foot-in-the-Door' technique is a well-known psychological phenomenon where agreeing to a small request increases the likelihood of agreeing to a second, larger request. University students are encouraged to take 'työharjoittelu' (internships) specifically to get their foot in the door of their chosen industry before graduation.
Use with 'saada'
If you want to sound more proactive, use 'saada jalka oven väliin' (to get a foot in the door) instead of just 'olla' (to be).
Don't forget the genitive
Always say 'oven' (of the door), never 'ovi' (door). The postposition 'välissä' requires the genitive.
Signification
To have an initial opportunity or position.
Use with 'saada'
If you want to sound more proactive, use 'saada jalka oven väliin' (to get a foot in the door) instead of just 'olla' (to be).
Don't forget the genitive
Always say 'oven' (of the door), never 'ovi' (door). The postposition 'välissä' requires the genitive.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct case.
Sain harjoittelupaikan, joten minulla on nyt jalka oven ______.
Since the sentence describes a state (having the foot there), we use 'välissä'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say you got a start in a company?
Miten sanot, että sait ensimmäisen mahdollisuuden yrityksessä?
'Saada jalan oven väliin' is the standard idiomatic expression for achieving an entry.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Onnea uudesta työstä!' B: 'Kiitos! Se on vain osa-aikainen, mutta ainakin...'
This is the perfect context for the idiom—a small start that leads to more.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesSain harjoittelupaikan, joten minulla on nyt jalka oven ______.
Since the sentence describes a state (having the foot there), we use 'välissä'.
Miten sanot, että sait ensimmäisen mahdollisuuden yrityksessä?
'Saada jalan oven väliin' is the standard idiomatic expression for achieving an entry.
A: 'Onnea uudesta työstä!' B: 'Kiitos! Se on vain osa-aikainen, mutta ainakin...'
This is the perfect context for the idiom—a small start that leads to more.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite and very common in professional settings.
It's possible but rare. It might sound a bit too 'business-like' for romance.
Expressions liées
päästä piireihin
similarTo get into the (right) circles.
avata ovia
builds onTo open doors.
saada päänavaus
synonymTo get a breakthrough.
