Signification
Greed leads to losing everything.
Contexte culturel
The proverb is a pillar of the 'Lagom' philosophy, which values moderation and balance over excess. Similar versions exist in Norway and Denmark, reflecting a shared Nordic value system that warns against individualistic hubris. In the startup world, this proverb is sometimes debated. Some argue that 'gaping for much' is necessary for innovation, while traditionalists use it to warn against 'burn rate' and over-expansion. It is one of the first proverbs Swedish children learn, usually in the context of food or toys.
The Short Version
In 90% of conversations, you only need to say 'Den som gapar efter mycket...' and stop. It sounds more natural and native.
The 'Lagom' Connection
Use this phrase to show you understand the Swedish value of moderation. It’s a great way to bond with Swedish colleagues.
Signification
Greed leads to losing everything.
The Short Version
In 90% of conversations, you only need to say 'Den som gapar efter mycket...' and stop. It sounds more natural and native.
The 'Lagom' Connection
Use this phrase to show you understand the Swedish value of moderation. It’s a great way to bond with Swedish colleagues.
Don't be a 'Know-it-all'
Proverbs can sound condescending. Use it with a smile or in a self-deprecating way about your own mistakes.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Den som ______ efter mycket mister ofta hela stycket.
'Gapar' (to gape/open mouth wide) is the correct traditional verb used in this proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Erik has a good job but quits to start three different companies at once. All three fail.
Erik was over-ambitious and greedy, leading to the loss of his stable job and the failure of his new ventures.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Jag ska satsa alla mina pengar på det här nya kryptoprojektet! B: Gör inte det. Kom ihåg ordspråket: ________.
The proverb is a perfect warning for someone taking a huge, greedy risk with their money.
What is the literal meaning of 'gapa'?
Vad betyder 'gapa' bokstavligt?
'Gapa' refers to the physical act of opening one's mouth wide, often associated with birds or animals.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDen som ______ efter mycket mister ofta hela stycket.
'Gapar' (to gape/open mouth wide) is the correct traditional verb used in this proverb.
Erik has a good job but quits to start three different companies at once. All three fail.
Erik was over-ambitious and greedy, leading to the loss of his stable job and the failure of his new ventures.
A: Jag ska satsa alla mina pengar på det här nya kryptoprojektet! B: Gör inte det. Kom ihåg ordspråket: ________.
The proverb is a perfect warning for someone taking a huge, greedy risk with their money.
Vad betyder 'gapa' bokstavligt?
'Gapa' refers to the physical act of opening one's mouth wide, often associated with birds or animals.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, though often ironically or in the shortened form. It's so deeply embedded in the language that everyone knows it.
No, it is almost exclusively used as a warning or a critique of a negative outcome.
Literally 'the piece.' In the context of the original fable, it was a piece of meat.
Yes, it's a professional way to warn against over-expansion or high-risk investments.
No. 'Tappar' means to drop something physically. 'Mister' means to lose possession of something.
Expressions liées
Girighet bedrar visheten
similarGreed deceives wisdom.
Mycket vill ha mer
similarMuch wants more.
Bättre en fågel i handen än tio i skogen
similarBetter one bird in the hand than ten in the forest.
Lagom är bäst
contrastEnough is best.
