Finnish Idioms That Make You Laugh and Think

Finnish idioms, like the language itself, are wonderfully unique and often surprising. They reflect Finnish culture, humor, and deep connection to nature. Some idioms are straightforward, while others leave you scratching your head—and laughing. Here’s a collection of Finnish idioms that are sure to entertain and make you think about the rich tapestry of Finnish culture.

1. “Heittää lusikka nurkkaan” – “To throw the spoon in the corner”

Meaning: To die.
This humorous and slightly morbid phrase imagines someone giving up on eating altogether, as if tossing their spoon away forever.

2. “Olla kuin ellun kanat” – “To be like Elli’s chickens”

Meaning: To be carefree and unconcerned.
This playful idiom conjures an image of happy, wandering chickens without a care in the world, just like Elli’s!

3. “Mennä sataa lasissa” – “To go at 100 in a glass”

Meaning: To go full speed ahead.
This one highlights speed and enthusiasm, perhaps reminiscent of driving a car at full throttle.

4. “Nähdä susia unissaan” – “To see wolves in one’s dreams”

Meaning: To be scared or worried about something.
Finns’ historical proximity to wilderness and wolves gives this idiom a vivid sense of foreboding.

5. “Juosta pää kolmantena jalkana” – “To run with your head as a third leg”

Meaning: To run really fast, as if you’re in a hurry.
This quirky expression paints a comical picture of someone dashing around frantically, headlong.

6. “Ei mennyt kuin Strömsössä” – “It didn’t go like on Strömsö”

Meaning: Things didn’t go as planned.
Strömsö is a Finnish TV show about DIY projects that always turn out perfectly, making this idiom a tongue-in-cheek way to describe failures.

7. “Olla napit vastakkain” – “To have buttons against each other”

Meaning: To argue or have a disagreement.
This idiom describes conflict as buttons pressing against one another—simple yet clever.

8. “Puhua pussiin” – “To talk into a bag”

Meaning: To contradict oneself or get tangled in one’s own words.
A humorous way to describe the confusion of talking yourself into a corner.

9. “Katsella maailmaa vaaleanpunaisten lasien läpi” – “To look at the world through pink glasses”

Meaning: To see things in an overly optimistic or unrealistic way.
This one is shared with other cultures but has a uniquely Finnish phrasing.

10. “Vetää herne nenään” – “To pull a pea into one’s nose”

Meaning: To get offended.
This odd and amusing visual is a perfect way to describe taking something too seriously.

Why Finnish Idioms Matter

Finnish idioms reflect the Finnish way of life, filled with practicality, humor, and deep ties to nature. They often emphasize resilience, the importance of taking life lightly, and the quirks of navigating challenges.

For language learners, understanding idioms is a great way to not only learn the language but also dive into Finnish culture. They are a glimpse into how Finns perceive and describe their world—always with a touch of creativity.