The idiom "break out in a cold sweat" means to suddenly become very nervous, anxious, or scared about something. It is often used to describe a sudden feeling of fear or panic that causes a person to sweat profusely and feel cold, clammy, and uncomfortable.
For example, if someone is about to give a speech in front of a large audience and they suddenly feel very nervous and anxious, they might "break out in a cold sweat." Similarly, if someone is in a dangerous situation, like being chased by a wild animal, they might "break out in a cold sweat" as their body prepares for fight or flight.
This idiom is commonly used in everyday conversation and is a great way to describe a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety. It can also be used in writing, such as in novels or short stories, to create a sense of tension or suspense.
• As soon as I discovered that my passport was missing, I broke out in a cold sweat, realizing how difficult it would be to replace it while traveling abroad.
• The pilot's announcement that the plane was experiencing technical difficulties made me break out in a cold sweat, even though I knew it was irrational to panic.
• I broke out in a cold sweat when I saw the spider in my room.
• Whenever I have to speak in public, I always break out in a cold sweat.
• During the hiking trip, we lost the trail and I broke out in a cold sweat thinking we were lost.
• The thought of taking my driving test made me break out in a cold sweat.