To break out a sweat ( /breɪk aʊt ə swɛt/) means to start sweating suddenly. The term "break out" is idiomatic and conveys the sudden, unexpected nature of the sweat release, while "a sweat" refers to the act of sweating. The spelling of this phrase accurately represents the pronunciation, with the "break" and "sweat" pronounced as expected and the "out" pronounced with the /aʊ/ diphthong. This phrase is commonly used for describing activities that cause perspiration, such as exercise or hot weather.
"Break out a sweat" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of sweating or perspiring profusely, especially due to physical exertion, strenuous activity, or intense stress. When someone breaks out a sweat, it implies that a significant amount of perspiration suddenly begins to appear on their skin, often as a result of their body's attempt to regulate its temperature or release toxins.
This phrase is commonly used to depict situations where individuals engage in activities that require physical effort or cause them to feel anxious or nervous. For example, participating in rigorous workouts, sports, or intense physical training often leads to breaking out a sweat. Similarly, situations that induce high levels of stress, such as public speaking or taking a challenging exam, can cause someone to break out a sweat due to the heightened emotional and mental stimulation.
The phrase emphasizes the idea of perspiration as a visible indicator of the body's response to exertion or anxiety. Breaking out a sweat implies that the bodily response is sudden or vigorous, usually resulting in visible moisture on the skin. It indicates that the individual's physical or emotional state has escalated to a point where their perspiration becomes noticeable or more significant than usual.