Learning a new language involves more than just grasping grammar and vocabulary; understanding the idiomatic expressions native to the tongue can provide deeper insight into a culture and its nuances. Icelandic, with its rich history and vibrant modern culture, offers a trove of such phrases that can bemuse and delight learners. Here are some common idiomatic expressions in Icelandic, complete with definitions and examples.

Það er nú meira en tálsýn!
This expression translates to “That is more than an optical illusion!” and conveys the meaning that something is unbelievable or astonishing.

Ég vann fimm lottóvinninga í röð – það er nú meira en tálsýn!

Ég er með puttann í poka.
Literally “I have my hand in the pocket,” this quirky expression suggests that someone is holding back information or not revealing their true intentions.

Hann sagði ekki mikið um framtíðaráætlunina, hann er greinilega með puttann í poka.

Margur verður af aurum api.
The meaning of this phrase is along the lines of “Many become fools for the sake of money,” and it warns against the corrupting influence of wealth.

Hann var svo sniðugur en nú hefur hann breytt persónuleika sínum allur verður af aurum api.

Ber er hver að baki.
Translated as “Everyone is bare-backed,” this phrase signifies that everyone has weaknesses or vulnerable points.

Hún virðist ósigrandi, en munaðu að ber er hver að baki.

Það er enginn því vanur að vakna.
In English, this idiomatic expression means “Nobody is used to waking up to that,” and it’s used for something that is very surprising or unusual.

Ég vaknaði við það að kýr voru í garðinum mínum – það er enginn því vanur að vakna.

Þetta reddast.
It translates roughly to “It will work out,” signifying an optimistic outlook that problems will resolve themselves eventually, often reflective of the Icelandic laid-back attitude.

Flugvélin okkar tafðist, en ég er viss um að þetta reddast hvað varðar bókun hótelsins.

Ég kem alveg af fjöllum.
This expression means “I come completely from the mountains,” and it’s used to describe someone who is totally surprised or clueless about a situation.

Þú ert að flytja til Japans næsta mánuð? Ég kem alveg af fjöllum!

Að detta í lukkupottinn.
To “fall into the pot of luck,” means to be very lucky or fortuitous.

Hann keypti gamalt hús og fann þar antíkverðmæt – hann datt algjörlega í lukkupottinn.

Maður er manns gaman.
A sentiment that “One is another’s joy,” this idiom stresses the importance of human companionship and interaction.

Við ættum að eyða meiri tíma með vinum og fjölskyldu – man er manns gaman eftir allt.

By incorporating these idiomatic expressions into your Icelandic vocabulary, you will be able to communicate more naturally and understand the language’s subtleties. Remember that idioms often arise from cultural practices, history, or shared experiences, making them a fascinating aspect of language to study and master. They add color and character to conversations, and their mastery is a testament to a deeper understanding of Icelandic.