sweat the small stuff
To worry about petty issues or insignificant matters.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't sweat the small stuff when planning your party.”
“He learns not to sweat the small stuff while traveling in a foreign country.”
“You should focus on the main goals instead of sweating the small stuff during this project.”
“My grandmother always says that life is too short to sweat the small stuff like a messy house or a broken plate.”
“If we want to finish this painting by tonight, we cannot afford to sweat the small stuff regarding every tiny brushstroke.”
“The manager advised his team to maintain their focus on the long-term strategy rather than sweating the small stuff during the transition period.”
The idiom originates from the maritime practice of tightening cordage. In sailing, sweating refers to the act of pulling a rope perpendicular to its length to ensure maximum tension, a technique reserved for large-diameter lines. Small stuff, or small-diameter cordage, is not meant to be subjected to such force, as the effort of sweating is deemed unnecessary for the weight of the rope. In the nautical context, one simply does not sweat the small stuff.
- 01
big fish in a small pond
One who has achieved a high rank or is highly esteemed, but only in a small, relatively unimportant, or little known location or organization.
- 02
blood, sweat and tears
A person's determination and hard work.
- 03
break a sweat
To put effort into something.
- 04
don't sweat it
Do not worry about it.
- 05
funny stuff
Irregular, often illegal, activities.
- 06
hot stuff
An attractive person. (often used as a come-on or pickup line)
- 07
in no small measure
To a very great extent.
- 08
in no small part
Synonym of in no small measure.
Last updated August 10, 2026