The Archive

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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