Meaning
Finally saying what one thinks.
Cultural Background
In Norway, directness is valued, but so is 'kos' (coziness) and avoiding 'dårlig stemning' (bad vibes). Taking the leaf from the mouth is the bridge between these two values. The German root of this phrase reflects a culture that historically values clear, unmasked communication in intellectual and public life. Across Scandinavia, similar idioms exist, reflecting a shared linguistic heritage and a common social emphasis on consensus that eventually breaks into honesty. In international business contexts in Norway, using this idiom shows a high level of cultural and linguistic integration, as it signals you understand the nuance of 'breaking the silence.'
Use 'Endelig'
Adding 'endelig' (finally) before the phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker, as it emphasizes the relief of speaking.
Don't be too literal
If you use this while actually eating or holding something, people will be very confused. It is 99% figurative.
Meaning
Finally saying what one thinks.
Use 'Endelig'
Adding 'endelig' (finally) before the phrase makes you sound much more like a native speaker, as it emphasizes the relief of speaking.
Don't be too literal
If you use this while actually eating or holding something, people will be very confused. It is 99% figurative.
The Power of Silence
In Norway, silence is not always awkward. Taking the leaf from the mouth is a deliberate choice to end a meaningful silence.
Test Yourself
Fyll inn de manglende ordene i idiomet.
Etter mange år med hemmeligheter, valgte han endelig å ta ______ fra ______.
Idiomet er fast: 'bladet' (bestemt form) og 'munnen' (bestemt form).
Hva betyr det å 'ta bladet fra munnen'?
Sjefen tok bladet fra munnen i går.
Dette er den figurative betydningen av idiomet.
I hvilken situasjon passer det best å bruke dette uttrykket?
Velg riktig situasjon:
Uttrykket krever at man har holdt noe tilbake tidligere.
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Hvorfor sa du ingenting i møtet? B: Jeg var redd, men neste gang skal jeg ______.
B vil si meningen sin neste gang.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Honesty Idioms
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEtter mange år med hemmeligheter, valgte han endelig å ta ______ fra ______.
Idiomet er fast: 'bladet' (bestemt form) og 'munnen' (bestemt form).
Sjefen tok bladet fra munnen i går.
Dette er den figurative betydningen av idiomet.
Velg riktig situasjon:
Uttrykket krever at man har holdt noe tilbake tidligere.
A: Hvorfor sa du ingenting i møtet? B: Jeg var redd, men neste gang skal jeg ______.
B vil si meningen sin neste gang.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's actually seen as quite brave and honest, though the truth you tell might be uncomfortable for others.
Yes! 'Han tok bladet fra munnen' is very common when reporting on something that happened.
Yes, it is the same: 'å ta bladet frå munnen'.
Usually, it's used for difficult or critical news, but it can be used for any truth that was previously hidden.
Historically, it's a metaphor for a mask or a small piece of paper used to hide one's face or voice.
It is very common in both, especially in news media and serious discussions.
It's more natural to just say 'ta bladet fra munnen'. The 'min' is implied.
Not exactly. 'Spill the beans' is about secrets. 'Ta bladet fra munnen' is more about opinions and honesty.
Yes, because while it's an idiom, the words are simple and it's very common in daily Norwegian.
Related Phrases
å snakke rett fra leveren
similarTo speak bluntly and honestly.
å legge kortene på bordet
similarTo reveal all facts and intentions.
å tie i hjel
contrastTo kill something with silence (to ignore it completely).
å brenne inne med noe
builds onTo keep something bottled up inside.
