sweating it out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sweating it out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is anxiously waiting for a result or outcome, often in a tense or stressful context. Example: "As the final exam results were being announced, I was sweating it out in the hallway, hoping for a passing grade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was sweating it out pretty good".

The New York Times - Sports

So we're usually sweating it out every weekend.

The New York Times

Better than sweating it out on a beach in 30C.

The Guardian - Travel

I think drinking a lot of water and sweating it out while running helps get rid of all the toxins.

The New York Times

Herschlag explains "Membership involves sweating it out in a sauna at 200F for as long as possible.

The Washington Post

One person I know just spent a perfect summer weekend in Miami sweating it out at a hot yoga retreat.

The New York Times

Finally, drinking enough water to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance is also critical for every workout, whether you're sweating it out on the squat rack or the racetrack.

Columbia University

Sweating it out on a treadmill, or racing to finish a half marathon, a runner might risk a potentially dangerous buildup of electrolytes in her blood.

University of California, Berkeley

Our apologies.Scrum at the barSIR – Scientists now tell us that a controlled experiment shows that exercise and alcohol consumption seem to be symbiotic ("Sweating it out", April 6th).

The Economist

Entering these pools after sweating it out in the steam is a big part of the ritual (as are the readily available platza treatments).

The New York Times - Arts

Sometimes the exertion is a prelude to the more typical excess, or as a way of sweating it out the morning after.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sweating it out" to convey a sense of anxious waiting or struggling through a difficult situation, especially when physical effort or discomfort is involved, real or metaphorical.

Common error

Avoid using "sweating it out" in highly formal writing. Opt for more professional alternatives like "awaiting anxiously" or "managing the challenge" in business reports or academic papers.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "sweating it out" functions as a verbal phrase to describe a state of anxious anticipation or enduring a difficult situation with considerable effort, whether physical or emotional. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a common expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sweating it out" is an idiomatic expression used to describe anxiously waiting for a result or enduring a difficult situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, it's most common in news and media contexts, though less suitable for highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "awaiting anxiously" in professional settings. The phrase effectively conveys stress and effort, whether literal or metaphorical, and is supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toughing it out

Implies resilience and strength in dealing with hardship.

gritting it out

Highlights the determination and resolve in facing a tough situation.

weathering the storm

Suggests successfully navigating a period of difficulty or crisis.

enduring the ordeal

Focuses on the act of persevering through a difficult experience, emphasizing the endurance aspect.

battling it out

Emphasizes the struggle and effort involved in overcoming a challenge.

persevering through

Emphasizes continued effort and persistence despite challenges.

going through the mill

Describes a process of being subjected to a trying or difficult experience.

bearing the brunt

Focuses on enduring the most severe part of a difficult situation.

anxiously awaiting

Directly indicates a state of anxious anticipation about an outcome, devoid of physical exertion.

переживать это

Russian translation of 'experiencing it', indicating a similar emotional process of enduring something difficult.

FAQs

What does "sweating it out" mean?

The phrase "sweating it out" generally means anxiously waiting for a result or outcome, or enduring a difficult situation with effort and persistence.

What can I say instead of "sweating it out"?

You can use alternatives like "toughing it out", "enduring the ordeal", or "anxiously awaiting" depending on the context.

Is "sweating it out" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "sweating it out" is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "awaiting anxiously" or "managing the challenge".

Can "sweating it out" refer to actual physical exertion?

Yes, "sweating it out" can refer to physical exertion, such as "going through the mill" during a workout, or metaphorically, like dealing with a stressful situation that makes you feel like you're exerting yourself.