The phrase "break sweat" means to start sweating or working hard physically. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /breɪk swɛt/. The "a" sound in "break" is pronounced as the long "a" sound, while the "e" in "sweat" is pronounced as the short "e" sound. The "w" in "sweat" is also pronounced, adding a slight glide before the "e" sound. Overall, the phonetic spelling reflects the familiar sound of this common phrase.
The phrase "break sweat" refers to the act of perspiring or sweating during physical activity or exertion. It is an idiomatic expression typically used to describe someone engaging in strenuous exercise or intense effort that causes them to sweat profusely.
When a person engages in rigorous physical activity or exercises vigorously, their body begins to generate heat. In response to this rise in temperature, the sweat glands are stimulated, leading to the production of sweat. Sweating is the body's natural mechanism to regulate body temperature and cool down. When one "breaks a sweat," it implies that they have reached a point of physical exertion or intensity that prompts perspiration.
This expression has a metaphorical aspect as well, extending beyond physical activities. It can be used figuratively to describe situations where someone is working hard, mentally or emotionally, leading to an intense level of effort or stress. For instance, a person preparing for a challenging exam or presenting a stressful project might be said to "break a sweat" as they put in a considerable amount of mental and emotional effort.
Overall, "breaking sweat" signifies intense physical or mental exertion that triggers a notable perspiration response, highlighting the effort and dedication put into a task or physical activity.
The term "break sweat" is an idiomatic expression in English that means to engage in physical activity or exercise to the point of perspiring or sweating. It is mainly used in contexts where someone is working hard physically, such as during intense workouts or labor-intensive activities.
The origin of this expression can be traced back to the Middle English period (roughly 11th to 15th centuries) when the word "break" was commonly used to mean "to force open" or "to rupture". In this sense, "breaking sweat" could be interpreted as forcefully opening the pores of the body to release sweat during physical exertion.
Over time, this expression has evolved to its current usage, where "break sweat" has become a synonymous phrase to describe the act of sweating due to intense physical effort.