English Reference
Idiom idiom

break a sweat


To put effort into something.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

This task is easy and I will not even break a sweat.

CONTEXTUAL

He finished the entire project in just one hour without breaking a sweat.

COMPLEX

The seasoned athlete completed the grueling marathon with such grace that he barely seemed to break a sweat.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all bedlam breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  2. 02

    all hell breaks loose

    The situation becomes chaotic or characterized by conflict or rage.

  3. 03

    big break

    A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.

  4. 04

    blood, sweat and tears

    A person's determination and hard work.

  5. 05

    break a leg

    Good luck!; Do your best!; Said to someone wishing they perform well in a theatrical production or comparable endeavor.

  6. 06

    break cover

    To disclose one's real thoughts and intentions.

  7. 07

    break down

    To give in or give up: relent, concede, surrender.

  8. 08

    break even

    To neither gain nor lose money.

Last updated August 10, 2026