Meaning
To act foolishly or lack common sense.
Cultural Background
The horse was historically the most important animal in Swedish farming. This idiom shows how agricultural life has shaped the modern language. Similar 'missing item' idioms exist across Norway and Denmark, reflecting a shared Nordic humor that relies on understatement and domestic metaphors. On platforms like Flashback or Twitter, this phrase is often used to dismiss political opponents, though it is considered quite 'boomer' or old-fashioned by Gen Z. Swedes love to use self-deprecating humor. Using this phrase about yourself is a common way to show humility after a mistake.
Soften the blow
Add 'riktigt' (really) or 'kanske' (maybe) to make the idiom sound less like a direct insult and more like a joke.
Watch your audience
Never use this with people you need to respect, like a doctor, a teacher, or a judge.
Meaning
To act foolishly or lack common sense.
Soften the blow
Add 'riktigt' (really) or 'kanske' (maybe) to make the idiom sound less like a direct insult and more like a joke.
Watch your audience
Never use this with people you need to respect, like a doctor, a teacher, or a judge.
Use it for yourself
The safest way to practice this idiom is to use it when you make a small, funny mistake. It makes you sound very native!
Test Yourself
Fyll i det saknade ordet i idiomet.
Han pratar med sin skugga hela dagen; han har nog inte alla _______ hemma.
Idiomet är 'inte ha alla hästar hemma'. Andra djur fungerar inte.
Vilken situation passar bäst för uttrycket?
När kan du säga 'Han har inte alla hästar hemma'?
Uttrycket används informellt för att beskriva glömska eller dumhet.
Matcha det svenska idiomet med dess engelska motsvarighet.
Matcha paren:
Dessa är direkta eller funktionella motsvarigheter.
Slutför dialogen.
A: 'Ska vi hoppa från taket ner i snön?' B: 'Nej, har du inte ______ ______ ______?'
B ifrågasätter A:s förnuft med hjälp av idiomet.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHan pratar med sin skugga hela dagen; han har nog inte alla _______ hemma.
Idiomet är 'inte ha alla hästar hemma'. Andra djur fungerar inte.
När kan du säga 'Han har inte alla hästar hemma'?
Uttrycket används informellt för att beskriva glömska eller dumhet.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Dessa är direkta eller funktionella motsvarigheter.
A: 'Ska vi hoppa från taket ner i snön?' B: 'Nej, har du inte ______ ______ ______?'
B ifrågasätter A:s förnuft med hjälp av idiomet.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be. It's similar to calling someone 'crazy' or 'stupid.' Use it only with friends or about people who aren't present.
No, the idiom is fixed with horses. However, you can say 'alla koppar i skåpet' (all cups in the cupboard).
Yes, but it's more common among people aged 30 and up. Younger people might use more modern slang.
In a main clause, it's 'har inte' (Han har inte...). In a sub-clause, it's 'inte har' (...eftersom han inte har...).
Instead of using an idiom, just say 'Han verkar lite förvirrad' (He seems a bit confused).
Because horses were the most valuable and 'intelligent' animals on the old Swedish farm.
Yes: 'Han hade inte alla hästar hemma igår.'
Rarely. You don't usually say 'Han har alla hästar hemma' to mean someone is smart, though it is grammatically possible.
No, it is understood and used all over Sweden.
It emphasizes that the 'horses' (thoughts) should be in their proper place (the head).
Related Phrases
ha en skruv lös
synonymTo have a screw loose.
inte vara riktigt klok
synonymTo not be quite sane/wise.
hissen går inte ända upp
similarThe elevator doesn't go all the way up.
dum som en gås
similarDumb as a goose.
