ha råg i ryggen

Swedish

Etymology

Literally, "to have rye in one's back," from rye bread being considered healthful and hearty food.

Verb

ha råg i ryggen (present har råg i ryggen, preterite hade råg i ryggen, supine haft råg i ryggen, imperative ha råg i ryggen)

1. (idiomatic) to have strength (to do what's morally right or the like), to have a bit of backbone

   Finns det ingen där med lite råg i ryggen som kan säga till dom att de inte kan bete sig så där?

   Isn't there anyone there with a bit of backbone to tell them that they can't behave like that?

See also

• inte röra någon i ryggen
• rakryggad
• ryggrad

References

• råg in Svensk ordbok (SO)
• råg in Svenska Akademiens ordlista (SAOL)
• råg in Svenska Akademiens ordbok (SAOB)