Närästyksiin

Närästyksiin is a Finnish term that translates roughly to "to the squirrels" or "for the squirrels." It is often used in a colloquial context to describe something that is being given away, discarded, or is going to waste, implying that it is no longer of use or value to humans and thus suitable for scavenging animals. The phrase carries a sense of resignation or acceptance that something will be lost or unappreciated.

The usage of "närästyksiin" can vary. For example, if someone has a large quantity of food that they cannot consume before it spoils, they might say it's "going to the squirrels" to indicate it will be thrown away. Similarly, if an opportunity is missed or a resource is squandered, the phrase can be used to express that the benefit has been lost, as if it were simply left for the squirrels to find. It is not a formal term and is more commonly heard in everyday conversation. The underlying sentiment is often a mild lament for lost potential or effort, but without significant distress. The image of squirrels, known for their opportunistic foraging, provides a vivid metaphor for this unrecoverable loss.