The phrase "sweating details" is spelled with the /swɛtɪŋ/ sound for "sweating" and the /ˈditl̩z/ sound for "details." The first syllable of "sweating" is pronounced with a short e sound, while the second syllable is pronounced with a short i sound. The word "details" is spelled with a silent e at the end, and the syllable stress falls on the first syllable. The phrase refers to someone spending a lot of time and effort on the fine points or specifics of a task or project.
Sweating details is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of paying excessive attention to or becoming overly concerned with minor or trivial aspects of a situation or task. It refers to the tendency of an individual to focus on small, often insignificant details, often at the expense of the bigger picture or more important issues at hand.
The term originates from the visual image of someone "sweating" or exerting excessive effort and energy on the minute aspects of a task, as if the person is physically exerting themselves. It implies that the person is expending unnecessary time and energy on inconsequential details, hindering progress or impeding their ability to see the broader goal.
Sweating details can often be associated with perfectionism or an attention to small minutiae that exceeds what is actually required or appropriate for a given task or situation. The person may become overly preoccupied with tiny details, losing sight of the main objective, or neglecting more fundamental aspects. This excessive focus on minor elements can also lead to delays, inefficiency, or a failure to complete tasks on time.
While attention to detail can be a positive trait in many situations, sweating details has a negative connotation, suggesting an obsession with minute particulars that is disproportionate to the overall importance or urgency. It is often advised to strike a balance between focusing on crucial aspects and avoiding unnecessary micromanagement or overthinking, to achieve a more efficient use of time and resources.
The phrase "sweating details" is an idiomatic expression that is derived from the literal meaning of "sweating" and the figurative meaning of "details".
The term "sweating" is often used metaphorically to describe intense physical or mental effort, typically associated with hard work or exertion. It can also be understood as perspiring, which is the body's natural response to physical exertion or stress.
Meanwhile, "details" refers to the individual elements, facts, or specific aspects of a larger whole. Paying attention to details implies focusing on the specifics, minutiae, or finer points of a particular subject or task.
When we combine these two concepts, "sweating details" essentially means putting in an exceptional amount of effort, diligence, or attention to the smaller, often overlooked aspects of something. It suggests a thorough and meticulous approach to handling the complexities involved in a task or project.