Signification
To flee quickly.
Contexte culturel
The idiom is a staple in Swedish children's literature, notably in Astrid Lindgren's works. It reflects a playful approach to language where physical absurdity is used to describe common human emotions like fear. Similar versions exist across Nordic languages, pointing to a shared Germanic root where 'legs' are the primary focus of escape metaphors. In modern cities, the phrase is often used ironically by young people when they want to leave a boring party or an awkward date. Swedes value punctuality. Using this idiom to describe your rush to a meeting shows that you respect the other person's time by 'running' to get there.
Use it for drama
When telling a story, use this instead of 'sprang' to make your Swedish sound more natural and engaging.
Check your verb
Remember that 'lägga' is irregular. Don't say 'läggade'!
Signification
To flee quickly.
Use it for drama
When telling a story, use this instead of 'sprang' to make your Swedish sound more natural and engaging.
Check your verb
Remember that 'lägga' is irregular. Don't say 'läggade'!
The 'Hurry' context
It's very common to use this when you are late. It shows you are making an effort.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'lägga'.
När tjuven såg polisen ___ han benen på ryggen.
The sentence describes a completed action in the past, so the preterite 'lade' is correct.
Which situation is appropriate for using 'lägga benen på ryggen'?
Välj rätt situation:
The idiom implies fleeing from danger or urgency, which fits the bear scenario.
Match the Swedish idiom with its English equivalent.
Matcha uttrycken:
These are the most direct idiomatic equivalents.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skynda dig, tåget går nu! B: Oj! Då måste jag ___.
The idiom is 'lägga benen på ryggen'. 'Lägga mig på ryggen' means to lie down on one's back.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNär tjuven såg polisen ___ han benen på ryggen.
The sentence describes a completed action in the past, so the preterite 'lade' is correct.
Välj rätt situation:
The idiom implies fleeing from danger or urgency, which fits the bear scenario.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the most direct idiomatic equivalents.
A: Skynda dig, tåget går nu! B: Oj! Då måste jag ___.
The idiom is 'lägga benen på ryggen'. 'Lägga mig på ryggen' means to lie down on one's back.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude. It's informal and colorful, but perfectly safe to use with friends, family, and even colleagues.
Yes! You can say 'Katten lade benen på ryggen' if a cat runs away quickly.
No. It specifically implies fleeing or rushing, not running for sport.
The past tense is 'lade benen på ryggen' or 'la benen på ryggen'.
No, that is not a standard idiom and will sound strange to Swedes.
Yes, tabloids use it often to describe suspects fleeing. Serious broadsheets might use 'flydde'.
Sometimes, but often it just implies a smart or necessary escape.
Only if you are telling a lighthearted story. Otherwise, stick to more professional language.
No, it is always 'benen' (plural) because you run with both legs!
It's a visual metaphor for the heels kicking up high during a fast sprint.
Expressions liées
Lägga på remmen
synonymTo increase speed/hurry up.
Ta till harvärjan
synonymTo flee (literary).
Sätta fart
similarTo speed up.
Gå upp i rök
builds onTo vanish into thin air.
