läpijalkoja

LÄPIJALKOJA is a Finnish term that literally translates to "through-legs." It describes a situation or a phenomenon where something is perceived as obvious, easily understood, or readily apparent, often to the point of being tedious or overexplained. The idiom suggests that the concept is so basic that one could easily "see through" it or grasp it with minimal effort, as if looking through one's own legs.

The phrase is typically used in informal contexts to express mild exasperation or impatience with something that is being presented as new or complex when it is, in fact, quite simple. For example, if someone is explaining a very basic concept in great detail, another person might think, "This is läpijalkoja," meaning it's so obvious they didn't need the explanation. It can also be used to describe a situation that is transparently predictable or has an easily discernible outcome.

The origin of the idiom is not definitively known, but its imagery is thought to relate to the ease with which one can look down at their own feet, a simple and direct visual act. The term carries a slightly dismissive connotation, implying a lack of sophistication or originality in what is being described. It's a common colloquialism in Finnish, used to quickly convey a sense of obviousness or predictability.