Signification
To avoid talking directly about a subject.
Contexte culturel
Porridge (gröt) has been a symbol of Swedish resilience and simplicity for centuries. It is often associated with 'allmogekultur' (peasant culture). The 'conflict-avoidance' (konflikträdsla) is a well-known Swedish trait. This idiom is the primary tool used to call out that behavior. Finns use the exact same idiom, reflecting the shared history between Sweden and Finland. The German version 'um den heißen Brei herumreden' shows the linguistic link between Germanic languages and their shared culinary metaphors.
Use it to show confidence
Using this idiom shows you are comfortable with Swedish social norms and can handle directness.
Don't overdo it
Calling someone a 'cat around porridge' can be seen as slightly aggressive if used too often.
Signification
To avoid talking directly about a subject.
Use it to show confidence
Using this idiom shows you are comfortable with Swedish social norms and can handle directness.
Don't overdo it
Calling someone a 'cat around porridge' can be seen as slightly aggressive if used too often.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Varför går du som ______ kring het ______?
The standard idiom always uses 'katten' (the cat) and 'gröt' (porridge).
Which situation best fits the idiom?
När passar det att säga 'Sluta gå som katten kring het gröt'?
The idiom is specifically about avoiding a difficult or 'hot' topic.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jag vet inte hur jag ska säga det här, men... B: Äsch, gå inte som ______ ______ ______ ______! Säg det bara!
The phrase fits perfectly when someone is hesitating to deliver news.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesVarför går du som ______ kring het ______?
The standard idiom always uses 'katten' (the cat) and 'gröt' (porridge).
När passar det att säga 'Sluta gå som katten kring het gröt'?
The idiom is specifically about avoiding a difficult or 'hot' topic.
A: Jag vet inte hur jag ska säga det här, men... B: Äsch, gå inte som ______ ______ ______ ______! Säg det bara!
The phrase fits perfectly when someone is hesitating to deliver news.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes, but be careful. It's better to use it when you have a good relationship or if the boss is being very unclear.
Both work, but 'kring' is the traditional, more 'correct' idiomatic form.
Because porridge was the most common hot food in old Sweden and it stays hot for a long time.
Expressions liées
Tala ur skägget
contrastTo speak clearly and directly.
Linda in i bomull
similarTo sugarcoat something.
Gå rakt på sak
contrastTo go straight to the point.
Sväva på målet
similarTo be vague or uncertain in one's speech.
