leika tveim skjǫldum

Old Norse

Etymology

Literally, “to play with two shields”.

Phrase

leika tveim skjǫldum

  1. (idiomatic) to play both sides against the middle
    • c. 965, Eyvindr skáldaspillir, loose stanza 10[1]
      […] Trúr vas’k tyggja dýrum; · tveim skjǫldum lék’k aldri;
      fylli’k flokk þinn, stillir; · fellr á hendr mér elli.
      […] I was true to the dear leader; with two shields I never played.
      I fill your retinue, ruler; old age falls upon my hands.

Descendants

  • Icelandic: leika tveim skjöldum
  • → Swedish: leka med två sköldar (calque)
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