What does “Break Out in A Cold Sweat” mean?
"Break out in a cold sweat" means to suddenly start sweating heavily, usually due to fear or anxiety.
What context can I use the in?
Example
As soon as he saw the spider, he broke out in a cold sweat.
Example
The thought of giving a presentation in front of a large audience made her break out in a cold sweat.
Example
When she realized she had forgotten her passport at home, she broke out in a cold sweat
Is “Break Out in A Cold Sweat” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Break Out in A Cold Sweat” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Break Out in A Cold Sweat” effectively in context?
You can use "Break Out in A Cold Sweat" to describe a sudden and intense reaction of fear or anxiety that causes someone to start sweating heavily. It emphasizes the physical manifestation of fear or anxiety. For example, if a friend is terrified of spiders, you might say, 'Whenever she sees a spider, she breaks out in a cold sweat.'
- 1Fear
As soon as he saw the spider, he broke out in a cold sweat.
- 2Public Speaking
The thought of giving a presentation in front of a large audience made her break out in a cold sweat.
- 3Forgetfulness
When she realized she had forgotten her passport at home, she broke out in a cold sweat.
Similar phrases to “Break Out in A Cold Sweat”:
Sweat bullets
To sweat profusely due to fear, anxiety, or nervousness
Example
He was sweating bullets during his first public speaking engagement.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Break Out in A Cold Sweat” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Break Out in A Cold Sweat" is unknown.
Is “Break Out in A Cold Sweat” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Break Out in A Cold Sweat" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe intense fear or anxiety that leads to excessive sweating.
What tone does “Break Out in A Cold Sweat” have?
"Break Out in A Cold Sweat" conveys a tone of extreme fear or anxiety. It's often used to emphasize the physical reaction someone has to a frightening or stressful situation.
Can “Break Out in A Cold Sweat” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Break Out in A Cold Sweat" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a strong emotional and physical response. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She saw a snake and broke out in a cold sweat.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I broke out in a cold sweat!' to express intense fear or anxiety.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- panic
- freak out
- have a meltdown
- be terrified
- be petrified
- be frightened
Antonyms
- stay calm
- remain composed
- be fearless
- be unfazed
- feel at ease
