Meaning
To be liked by a specific group.
Cultural Background
The phrase 'Gå hem i stugorna' (Go home in the cottages) refers to something that is popular with the general Swedish public, reflecting a nostalgic view of Sweden as a nation of small red cottages. In Swedish meetings, consensus is key. If a proposal 'går hem hos alla,' it means a decision can be made without conflict, which is highly valued. Swedes can be reserved. Saying 'Jag tror jag gick hem hos henne' is a common, slightly modest way to say a date went well without sounding too arrogant. Swedish TV critics often use this phrase to describe why certain reality shows or hosts are successful. It's about 'folklighet' (being of the people).
The 'Hos' Rule
Always remember that 'hos' is used for people. If you want to say something is popular in a place, use 'i' (e.g., 'Det går hem i Sverige').
Don't say 'Gå hemma'
Adding the 'a' to 'hem' makes it 'at home', which breaks the idiom. Keep it as 'Gå hem'.
Meaning
To be liked by a specific group.
The 'Hos' Rule
Always remember that 'hos' is used for people. If you want to say something is popular in a place, use 'i' (e.g., 'Det går hem i Sverige').
Don't say 'Gå hemma'
Adding the 'a' to 'hem' makes it 'at home', which breaks the idiom. Keep it as 'Gå hem'.
Use it for Food
This is the most natural way to ask if someone liked your cooking without being too formal: 'Gick maten hem?'
Modesty
Using this phrase about yourself ('Jag gick hem hos dem') is better than saying 'De älskade mig', as it sounds more humble.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition to complete the idiom.
Hennes nya idéer gick verkligen hem ___ chefen.
The idiom 'gå hem hos' always uses the preposition 'hos' when referring to the person who likes the idea.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'The audience liked the movie'?
Välj rätt mening:
'Gå hem hos' is the standard form. 'Till' implies physical movement, and 'hemma hos' implies a location.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb 'gå'.
A: Hur var din presentation? B: Den ____ verkligen hem hos styrelsen!
Since the presentation already happened, we use the past tense 'gick'.
Match the sentence to the most likely situation.
Mening: 'Den här strategin kommer aldrig gå hem hos väljarna.'
'Väljarna' (the voters) is a term used in politics.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Hos vs. Till
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHennes nya idéer gick verkligen hem ___ chefen.
The idiom 'gå hem hos' always uses the preposition 'hos' when referring to the person who likes the idea.
Välj rätt mening:
'Gå hem hos' is the standard form. 'Till' implies physical movement, and 'hemma hos' implies a location.
A: Hur var din presentation? B: Den ____ verkligen hem hos styrelsen!
Since the presentation already happened, we use the past tense 'gick'.
Mening: 'Den här strategin kommer aldrig gå hem hos väljarna.'
'Väljarna' (the voters) is a term used in politics.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually no. It's for ideas, people, or performances being received by people. A key doesn't 'gå hem hos' a lock.
Yes, it's very common to say 'Jag hoppas att mina erfarenheter går hem hos er.'
'Gå hem' is more idiomatic and focuses on the moment of resonance, while 'bli populär' is a general state.
Yes! 'Det gick inte hem' is very common for failed jokes or rejected proposals.
In this idiom, 'hos' means 'with' or 'in the opinion of'.
Not usually, but it can be used ironically to describe something very 'mainstream' or 'cheesy'.
Technically yes, but it sounds like you are joking about liking your own ideas.
Går (present), gick (past), gått (supine).
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The closest is 'to go down well with' or 'to be a hit with'.
Related Phrases
Slå an
synonymTo strike a chord / to be a hit
Gå hem i stugorna
specialized formTo be popular with the general public
Vinna bifall
formalTo win approval
Falla i smaken
similarTo be to someone's liking
Gå hem till
contrastTo physically go to someone's house
