cold sweat

USAGE SUMMARY

"cold sweat" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe feeling heavily nervous, anxious, or scared - usually in an intense situation. Example sentence: When I saw the police car behind me, I broke out in a cold sweat.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cold sweat.

The New York Times

A slamming door starts a cold sweat.

The Washington Post

Cold sweat raced down my back.

The Guardian

A Man's World bathed in Cold Sweat.

The Guardian

Mohamed was covered in cold sweat.

The New Yorker

I wake up in a cold sweat.

The Guardian - Books

The giraffe wakes up in a cold sweat (heat lamp).

The New Yorker

Brits may already be in a cold sweat.

The Economist

(Cue video of cold sweat gushing down forehead).

The New York Times

I'd wake up in a cold sweat panicking about my life.

The New York Times

"I started to sweat a lot, a cold sweat," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cold sweat" to vividly describe the physical manifestation of intense fear, anxiety, or shock in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "cold sweat" when referring to physical exertion or hot environments; the phrase specifically denotes a reaction to intense emotional states, not physical activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cold sweat" primarily functions as a noun, describing a specific type of perspiration associated with intense emotional or physical stress. As per Ludwig AI's analysis, it vividly illustrates a physical reaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cold sweat" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe perspiration caused by intense fear, anxiety, or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and the examples show its prevalence in "News & Media". While predominantly neutral in tone, it effectively conveys strong emotional or physical responses. When writing, it’s best used to describe reactions to stress, not physical exertion. Alternative phrases like "nervous perspiration" or "clammy sweat" can be used depending on the context. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chilly perspiration

Similar to "cold sweat" but uses a slightly different word choice for 'sweat'.

clammy sweat

Focuses on the texture of the sweat, implying discomfort and anxiety.

anxious sweat

Highlights the anxiety-induced sweating, simplifying the description.

nervous perspiration

Focuses on the physical symptom of sweating due to nervousness, omitting the temperature aspect.

fear-induced perspiration

Emphasizes the cause (fear) of the sweating, making it more descriptive.

breaking out in a sweat

Describes the act of starting to sweat due to stress or fear, rather than the sweat itself.

sweat of terror

Uses a more dramatic and figurative way to describe sweating due to extreme fear.

sweating bullets

An idiom that means to be very nervous or anxious about something.

on edge

Describes the feeling of anxiety or nervousness that might cause "cold sweat".

in a state of panic

Focuses on the panicked state that can result in physical symptoms like "cold sweat".

FAQs

How to use "cold sweat" in a sentence?

You can use "cold sweat" to describe the physical sensation of sweating due to fear, anxiety, or shock, as in "The thought of public speaking brought me out in a "cold sweat"".

What can I say instead of "cold sweat"?

You can use alternatives like "nervous perspiration", "clammy sweat", or "anxious sweat" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cold sweat" or "hot sweat"?

"Cold sweat" is correct when describing perspiration caused by fear or anxiety. "Hot sweat" isn't a common phrase, you would typically just say "sweat" if it's due to heat or exercise.

What's the difference between "cold sweat" and "night sweats"?

"Cold sweat" refers to sweating due to fear or anxiety, whereas "night sweats" are excessive sweating during sleep, often caused by medical conditions or hormonal changes.