# break out in

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/break-out-in
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to suddenly have marks, spots, or sweat appear on your skin.

For teachers: to be suddenly affected by a skin condition, rash, or perspiration; typically used with a non-agentive subject.

## Examples

- I break out in a rash if I eat strawberries.
- The nervous speaker began to break out in a cold sweat just before the presentation started.
- Medical professionals observed that patients would frequently break out in hives shortly after the administration of the experimental drug.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He broke out in to a sweat." but "He broke out in a sweat." — the preposition is 'in', not 'into', when describing the appearance of a skin condition or sweat.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun describing a skin condition or sweat.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'break out' (to escape or to start suddenly, like a war); this three-part version is specifically for bodily or skin reactions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.