Etymology Journal · D
Don't sweat it
Meaning
- A gentle way to tell someone to relax and stop stressing about a minor problem. It implies that the situation will resolve itself or is simply not worth the anxiety.
Casual, reassuring
Used in a sentence
- Don't sweat it if you forgot the napkins; we have plenty of paper towels.
- I know you messed up the report, but don't sweat it, the boss didn't even notice.
- Hey, don't sweat it, I am sure your car will start once the engine warms up.
The backstory
This is a twentieth-century American colloquialism that literally refers to avoiding the physical perspiration caused by intense physical or mental exertion. It likely evolved from common locker-room or coaching slang.
Heard in
Nationwide
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