The phrase "sweat of brow" is spelled as it sounds, with no irregularities in pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /swɛt əv braʊ/. The "sw" in "sweat" is pronounced like "sway," the "e" is pronounced like "eh," and the "t" is pronounced with a soft "h" sound. "Brow" is pronounced with a long "o" like "oh" and a silent "w," making the end of the word sound like "brow."
Sweat of brow is an idiomatic expression that refers to the physical or mental effort and hard work required to achieve a particular task or goal. The phrase emphasizes the notion that success or accomplishment is often a result of intense labor, perseverance, and dedication.
The idiom "sweat of brow" has its origins in biblical texts, particularly in the Book of Genesis, where it is mentioned as a consequence of the "fall of man." It represents the toil and labor humans must endure to earn their livelihood, make progress, or attain prosperity. The phrase implies that fruitful outcomes are seldom attainable without exertion, strain, or hardship.
"Sweat of brow" can be used metaphorically to describe a range of endeavors, from physical labor and manual jobs to mental exertion, such as intellectual work, problem-solving, or creative processes. It implies the investment of time, energy, skill, and effort required to achieve a desired outcome, often emphasizing the arduousness or the ardent commitment to the task at hand.
In summary, "sweat of brow" signifies the hard work, toil, and determined effort put into an endeavor to achieve success or progress. It carries a connotation of perseverance, resilience, and the recognition that accomplishment generally requires laborious and strenuous exertion.