selkärangassa

Selkärangassa is a Finnish idiom that means something is deeply ingrained, firmly established, or central to a person, group, or system. It is used to describe values, habits, principles, or routines that are considered essential and hard to change. The phrase is metaphorical, likening the thing in question to the backbone that supports and gives structure.

Linguistic notes: selkärangassa is the inessive form of selkäranka (backbone). In everyday use it conveys a sense of inner firmness or conviction rather than a physical location. It is common in both spoken and written Finnish and can apply to individuals, organizations, or cultures. The expression is typically neutral or positive, though it can carry a normative tone when describing what “belongs” to the core of someone or something.

Usage and context: the expression often appears when emphasizing core values, core competencies, or essential practices. It can describe personal traits that shape behavior or organizational practices that guide decisions. It is less suited for transient preferences or superficial habits, and more appropriate for fundamental aspects that endure over time.

Examples:

- Rehellisyys on selkärangassa tässä yrityksessä.

- Tavoitteemme laadusta on selkärangassa ja ohjaa kaikki projektipäätökset.

- Hän on ammatissaan selkärangassa oleva tekijä; työn laatu kuuluu hänen arvoihinsa.