Sweden Proverbs (10)

Borta bra men hemma bäst.

“Away is good, but home is best.”

No matter how pleasant travel or other places may be, one's own home is the most comfortable and cherished.

Lagom är bäst.

“Moderation is best.”

The ideal is neither too little nor too much but a balanced, sufficient amount — the uniquely Swedish notion of 'lagom'.

Morgonstund har guld i mun.

“The morning hour has gold in its mouth.”

Rising early and starting work in the morning brings reward and productivity.

Bättre en fågel i handen än tio i skogen.

“Better one bird in the hand than ten in the forest.”

A small certain gain is worth more than a larger uncertain possibility.

Ju fler kockar, desto sämre soppa.

“The more cooks, the worse the soup.”

Too many people involved in one task spoil the result.

Man ska inte gå över ån efter vatten.

“One should not cross the stream to fetch water.”

Do not seek far away what is already close at hand; avoid making things needlessly complicated.

Den som gapar över mycket mister ofta hela stycket.

“He who gapes for too much often loses the whole piece.”

Being greedy and reaching for too much at once can cost you everything.

Man saknar inte kon förrän båset är tomt.

“You do not miss the cow until the stall is empty.”

People often fail to appreciate what they have until it is gone.

Alla känner apan, men apan känner ingen.

“Everyone knows the monkey, but the monkey knows no one.”

A well-known or notorious person is recognised by many, though they themselves know few of those people.

Ensam är stark.

“Alone is strong.”

An independent person who relies on themselves can be resilient and powerful — though it is also used ironically about the limits of going it alone.