sweating bullets

USAGE SUMMARY

'sweating bullets' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an informal phrase meaning to be extremely nervous or anxious. You can use it when referring to someone who is feeling anxious or fearful before or during an event. For example: "The night before his presentation, John was sweating bullets about his speech."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We were sweating bullets".

The New York Times - Sports

"We're sweating bullets over it".

The New York Times

I hope he's sweating bullets.

The New York Times - Books

Wall Street is sweating bullets.

The New York Times

The guy was sweating bullets.

The New York Times

"I am sweating bullets," he confided.

The Washington Post

Barry Manilow must be sweating bullets.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I wasn't sweating bullets," Chaney said after winning, 101-99.

The New York Times - Sports

We would always be sweating bullets at the first concert.

The New York Times - Arts

Afterward, "I was sweating bullets, but I was incredulous.

The New Yorker

"He walks over to me and he's sweating bullets," Garner said, smiling at the recollection.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweating bullets" to vividly describe a state of extreme anxiety or nervousness, particularly when anticipating a difficult or high-pressure situation.

Common error

Avoid using "sweating bullets" too frequently in your writing. Over-reliance on this idiom can make your prose sound repetitive or cliché. Instead, vary your descriptions of anxiety with more nuanced language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sweating bullets" functions as an idiomatic expression. It vividly describes a state of extreme anxiety or nervousness, indicating someone is under significant pressure or stress. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sweating bullets" is a common idiom used to express extreme nervousness or anxiety. Ludwig AI confirms that it's correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase adds a vivid, albeit informal, touch to descriptions of high-stress situations. While grammatically sound, it's crucial to use this idiom judiciously to avoid overuse. Consider alternatives like "extremely anxious" or "in a state of panic" for more formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a cold sweat

Captures the physical aspect of sweating, but specifies it as a "cold sweat", adding a layer of fear or sickness.

nervous as hell

Uses stronger, more informal language to express intense nervousness.

extremely anxious

Focuses on the emotional state of anxiety, omitting the physical manifestation of sweating.

worried sick

Highlights the intensity of worry to the point of causing illness, changing the emphasis from physical symptoms.

scared to death

Emphasizes the extreme level of fear, implying a near-death experience from fright.

in a state of panic

Highlights the feeling of panic, intensifying the sense of anxiety compared to the original phrase.

on pins and needles

Uses a different idiom to describe anxious anticipation or nervousness, replacing the sweating imagery.

scared stiff

Emphasizes the paralysis induced by fear, shifting the focus away from physical sweating.

trembling with fear

Emphasizes the physical manifestation of fear through trembling, changing the imagery from sweating.

biting my nails

Focuses on a nervous habit as an outward sign of anxiety rather than the physical response of sweating.

FAQs

What does "sweating bullets" mean?

The idiom "sweating bullets" means to be extremely nervous or anxious, often to the point of physical manifestation such as sweating. It implies a high level of stress or fear.

How can I use "sweating bullets" in a sentence?

You can use "sweating bullets" to describe someone's emotional state before or during a stressful event. For example, "Before his job interview, he was "sweating bullets"."

What can I say instead of "sweating bullets"?

You can use alternatives like "extremely anxious", "in a state of panic", or "trembling with fear" depending on the context.

Is "sweating bullets" a formal or informal expression?

"Sweating bullets" is considered an informal expression. It's best used in casual conversation or less formal writing. For professional or academic contexts, consider using more formal alternatives.