Meaning
Having a secret plan.
Cultural Background
In Norwegian folklore, the hero Askeladden often wins by having small, seemingly useless items 'in his bag' or 'in his sleeve' that turn out to be crucial. Norwegians value preparation. Having 'noe i ermet' in a meeting is seen as being professional and 'føre var' (prepared/cautious). Norwegian sports media uses this phrase constantly to describe tactical changes by famous coaches like Ståle Solbakken. It is common to use this phrase playfully during 'dugnad' (community work) or social gatherings to hint at a surprise treat.
Use with 'lurt'
This phrase pairs perfectly with the adverb 'lurt' (cunningly). 'Han smilte lurt, han hadde nok noe i ermet.'
Preposition Alert
Remember: 'I' (in), not 'opp' (up). This is the #1 mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
Having a secret plan.
Use with 'lurt'
This phrase pairs perfectly with the adverb 'lurt' (cunningly). 'Han smilte lurt, han hadde nok noe i ermet.'
Preposition Alert
Remember: 'I' (in), not 'opp' (up). This is the #1 mistake for English speakers.
The 'Ace' Upgrade
If your secret plan is really good, use 'et ess i ermet' to sound more like a native speaker.
Not just for cheating
While it comes from gambling, it's not an insult. It usually implies you are smart and prepared.
Test Yourself
Fyll ut riktig preposisjon.
Jeg har en god plan ___ ermet.
I Norwegian, we always use 'i' (in) with 'ermet' for this idiom.
Hva betyr uttrykket?
Hvis noen 'har noe i ermet', betyr det at de:
The idiom refers to having a secret or hidden strategy.
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Vi kommer til å tape kampen! B: Slapp av, treneren har ________.
This fits the context of having a secret strategy to win a game.
Match situasjonen med riktig setning.
Situasjon: Du har planlagt en overraskelse for vennen din.
This is the most natural way to hint at a friendly surprise.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Norwegian vs English
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg har en god plan ___ ermet.
I Norwegian, we always use 'i' (in) with 'ermet' for this idiom.
Hvis noen 'har noe i ermet', betyr det at de:
The idiom refers to having a secret or hidden strategy.
A: Vi kommer til å tape kampen! B: Slapp av, treneren har ________.
This fits the context of having a secret strategy to win a game.
Situasjon: Du har planlagt en overraskelse for vennen din.
This is the most natural way to hint at a friendly surprise.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNot necessarily. It can be used for a surprise party or a clever business move. It just means something is hidden.
Yes, but it's almost always used metaphorically for a plan or idea.
'Noe' is general (something), while 'et ess' (an ace) implies a winning advantage.
Yes, 'i ermet' is a fixed expression. Saying 'i et erme' sounds like you literally have a sandwich in a random sleeve.
It's common in journalism and speeches, but avoid it in strictly academic or legal texts.
No, the idiom is always singular: 'i ermet'.
Yes, exactly the same meaning.
Yes, if someone is plotting something sneaky, you can say they have something in their sleeve.
The 't' is silent. It sounds like 'AIR-meh'.
No, it is used daily by Norwegians of all ages.
You can, but 'i ermet' sounds more like a clever trick, while 'i lomma' sounds more like a backup resource.
You can say 'Han har mye i ermet' or 'Han har flere ess i ermet'.
Related Phrases
Å ha et ess i ermet
specialized formTo have a winning advantage.
Å ha en plan i bakhånd
synonymTo have a backup plan.
Å spille med åpne kort
contrastTo be completely transparent.
Å ha rent mel i posen
similarTo have honest intentions.
Å pønske på noe
builds onTo be plotting something.
