What does “Cold sweat” mean?
"Cold sweat" means a state of extreme fear or anxiety that causes a person to sweat profusely.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He woke up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat after having a nightmare.
Example
The thought of giving a presentation in front of a large audience always gives her a cold sweat.
Example
As the roller coaster climbed to its highest point, she felt a cold sweat forming on her forehead
Is “Cold sweat” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“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 “Cold sweat” effectively in context?
You can use "Cold Sweat" to describe a state of extreme fear or anxiety that causes someone to sweat profusely. It emphasizes the physical manifestation of fear or anxiety. For example, if a friend is nervous about an upcoming job interview, you might say, 'Don't worry, it's normal to get a "cold sweat" before an important event.'
- 1Nightmare
He woke up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat after having a nightmare.
- 2Public Speaking
The thought of giving a presentation in front of a large audience always gives her a cold sweat.
- 3Fear of Heights
As the roller coaster climbed to its highest point, she felt a cold sweat forming on her forehead.
Similar phrases to “Cold sweat”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cold sweat” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cold Sweat" is unknown.
Is “Cold sweat” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cold Sweat" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe intense fear or anxiety that causes physical symptoms like sweating.
What tone does “Cold sweat” have?
"Cold Sweat" conveys a tone of fear or anxiety. It's often used to describe a strong emotional reaction to a stressful situation.
Can “Cold sweat” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Cold Sweat" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a common human experience. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, 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 woke up in a cold sweat after the nightmare.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I broke into a "cold sweat"!' to express sudden fear or anxiety.
