Meaning
To outperform someone or overshadow them.
Cultural Background
Norwegians value 'likhet' (equality). Taking the 'luv' from someone can be seen as impressive but also slightly 'un-Norwegian' if done too aggressively, due to Janteloven. Norway's history is tied to the sea. Many common idioms, like this one, come from sailing, reflecting the nation's past as a global shipping power. In the Norwegian tech scene (Oslo/Trondheim), this phrase is frequently used to describe 'disruptive' startups that outshine established players. In cross-country skiing, taking the 'luv' is a common metaphor for a skier who breaks away from the pack and dominates the race.
Use for emphasis
Add 'fullstendig' or 'totalt' before 'luven' to sound like a native speaker describing a massive victory.
Preposition Alert
Never use 'av'. It's 'fra'. This is the #1 mistake learners make with this idiom.
Meaning
To outperform someone or overshadow them.
Use for emphasis
Add 'fullstendig' or 'totalt' before 'luven' to sound like a native speaker describing a massive victory.
Preposition Alert
Never use 'av'. It's 'fra'. This is the #1 mistake learners make with this idiom.
Janteloven
Be careful using this about yourself in Norway. It's better to use it to praise others to avoid sounding arrogant.
Test Yourself
Fyll inn de manglende ordene i idiomet.
Den nye filmen tok helt ______ ______ de andre nominerte.
Idiomet er 'å ta luven fra noen'.
Hvilken situasjon passer best for dette uttrykket?
Når kan du si at du 'tok luven fra' noen?
Uttrykket handler om å overgå noen i prestasjon.
Fullfør dialogen med riktig form av idiomet.
A: Hvordan gikk debatten? B: Jo, statsministeren ______ ______ ______ fra opposisjonslederen.
Siden debatten er ferdig, må vi bruke preteritum (tok).
Match uttrykket med riktig forklaring.
Match:
Alle tre er synonymer, men 'ta luven fra' er det mest idiomatiske.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDen nye filmen tok helt ______ ______ de andre nominerte.
Idiomet er 'å ta luven fra noen'.
Når kan du si at du 'tok luven fra' noen?
Uttrykket handler om å overgå noen i prestasjon.
A: Hvordan gikk debatten? B: Jo, statsministeren ______ ______ ______ fra opposisjonslederen.
Siden debatten er ferdig, må vi bruke preteritum (tok).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Alle tre er synonymer, men 'ta luven fra' er det mest idiomatiske.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very common in journalism, sports, and professional settings.
Yes, for example, a new building can 'ta luven fra' the older buildings in a city.
It is neutral. You can use it in a newspaper or with friends.
It is the windward side of a ship.
No, 'til' is incorrect. Only 'fra' works.
Very similar, but 'ta luven fra' implies a more direct competition.
Yes, 'tok luven fra' is very common.
It can be, but it's often just a statement of fact about someone's talent.
No, 'luven' is always singular.
Yes, 'å overskygge' (to overshadow).
Related Phrases
å overskygge
synonymTo overshadow
å sette noen i skyggen
similarTo put someone in the shadow
å ta vinden ut av seilene
similarTo take the wind out of the sails
å blekne i forhold til
contrastTo pale in comparison to
