Meaning
To be strong-willed and goal-oriented.
Cultural Background
In Sweden, 'ben i näsan' is often used as a high compliment for women in business, reflecting a cultural shift towards valuing female assertiveness. The idiom is also used in Finland-Swedish, often with a slightly more 'rugged' connotation of surviving harsh conditions. In modern tech startups in Stockholm, this phrase is used to describe 'hustle' and the ability to pivot under pressure. Authors like Astrid Lindgren often created characters (like Pippi or Ronja) who embody the 'ben i näsan' spirit, even if the exact phrase isn't always used.
Use it for compliments
It's a great way to show respect for someone's strength without just saying 'bra jobbat'.
Singular 'Nose'
Always keep 'näsan' in the singular, even for a group of people!
Meaning
To be strong-willed and goal-oriented.
Use it for compliments
It's a great way to show respect for someone's strength without just saying 'bra jobbat'.
Singular 'Nose'
Always keep 'näsan' in the singular, even for a group of people!
Pippi Power
Think of Pippi Longstocking whenever you use this; it captures the vibe perfectly.
Test Yourself
Fyll i de ord som saknas i idiomet.
Hon är en mycket bestämd kvinna som har ___ i ___.
Det korrekta idiomet är 'ben i näsan'.
Vilken mening betyder samma sak som 'Han har ben i näsan'?
Välj det bästa alternativet:
Idiomet beskriver en person med stark vilja.
I vilken situation passar det bäst att använda 'ben i näsan'?
Matcha situationen:
Att våga stå upp för sig själv är kärnan i uttrycket.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesHon är en mycket bestämd kvinna som har ___ i ___.
Det korrekta idiomet är 'ben i näsan'.
Välj det bästa alternativet:
Idiomet beskriver en person med stark vilja.
Matcha situationen:
Att våga stå upp för sig själv är kärnan i uttrycket.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it is almost always a compliment. It means they are strong and capable.
Yes, absolutely. While historically common for women, it is gender-neutral today.
'Ben' (bones) sounds slightly tougher and more modern than 'skinn' (skin).
Not really. The idiom is fixed. You can say 'mycket ben i näsan' instead.
Related Phrases
ha skinn på näsan
similarTo be tough and assertive.
ha märg i benen
similarTo have stamina and strength.
vara en hårding
similarTo be a tough guy/person.
ha ryggrad
synonymTo have a backbone.
