Break a sweat Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To start sweating from physical effort, or, in idiomatic use, to make a lot of effort to do something. Sometimes used in the negative to mean something was very easy.
Usage & Nuances
Often used after 'didn't' ('didn't break a sweat') to emphasize ease. Can be literal (physical exercise) or figurative (tasks, challenges). Informal, common in speech. Be careful: literal sweat isn't always involved.
Example Sentences
It was so hot that I broke a sweat just walking to work.
basic
He didn't break a sweat during the exam; it was easy for him.
basic
She ran up the stairs and didn't even break a sweat.
basic
Finishing that puzzle didn’t even make me break a sweat.
natural
She lifted the heavy box without breaking a sweat.
natural
Some people can run a mile and not break a sweat, but I can't!
natural