break a sweat
Americanidiom
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to start to perspire, as from physical exertion.
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(often in negative constructions) to do something with such ease as to produce no perspiration; perform effortlessly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When doing these, my goal isn’t to break a sweat.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
“And in terms of a group dynamic, she is someone who absolutely does not break a sweat when sharing her feelings and opinions, and that is the hallmark of a great Housewife.”
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2025
“I’ve never seen her break a sweat, other than while dancing,” Blige said, even on extended music video shoots or high-drama award shows.
From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2024
Retail leaders say it will take years of gains in prescription sales before restaurants, weight loss companies and gyms break a sweat over these efforts.
From Washington Times • Oct. 19, 2023
“I did not plan to break a sweat this early. What now?”
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
