breaks a sweat
Labors until perspiring
To break a sweat means to exert oneself enough that perspiration begins, whether from physical labor, exercise, or stress.
The phrase often appears in negative constructions to suggest effortlessness: She finished the marathon without breaking a sweat implies the task was easy for her.
It can also describe mental or emotional strain: I broke a sweat just thinking about the presentation.
- hard workSustained strenuous effort
- perspirationFluid from exertion
- exerciseActivity for fitness
- hitting the gymGoing to exercise
- workoutStructured physical exercise
no pain no gain · grit · perseverance · pushing limits · jogging · tenacity · diligence · resilience · weightlifting · aerobics · commitment · endorphins · ambition · adrenaline · going hard · striving · hiking · cycling
breaks a sweattakes it easy
Remains calm, unhurried
cruises · loafs · idles · slacks off · relaxes
breaks a sweatno sweat
Casual assurance of ease
child's play · piece of cake · cakewalk · easy as pie · easy peasy
break, breaks, broken, breaking, breaker, breakers, breakage, unbroken, sweat