karl í krapinu

Icelandic

Etymology

Literally "a man wading through slushy snow".

Noun

karl í krapinu

1. (idiomatic) to be dauntless and strong, to be able to heroically endure hardship

   Synonyms: kalla ekki allt ömmu sína, harðjaxl

2. (extension of the above, with þykjast) to be over-confident and sure of oneself; arrogant

   Synonym: góður með sig

   Hann þóttist karl í krapinu. ― He was very sure of himself.