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Work up a sweat Meaning in English

expression

ˈwɝk/ /ˈəp/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈswɛt
WURK-up-uh-SWET
wˈɜːk/ /ˈʌp/ /æɪ/ /swˈɛt
WURK-up-uh-SWET

Definition

To do physical activity or exercise hard enough that you start sweating; also used for any effort that makes you sweat.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, mostly about exercise or physical effort. Common with 'go for a run and work up a sweat' or 'really worked up a sweat in the gym.' Less often used for strong mental effort (metaphoric). Avoid in very formal writing.

Example Sentences

If you run fast enough, you will work up a sweat.

basic

She likes to work up a sweat at the gym every morning.

basic

You don't need fancy equipment to work up a sweat.

basic

I love hiking because I can work up a sweat and enjoy nature at the same time.

natural

Even cleaning the house can make you work up a sweat if you do it fast enough.

natural

We all really worked up a sweat playing soccer this afternoon.

natural