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[0571] No sweat

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English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

  • Means no problem, don't worry about it, or it was easy.
  • Used to reassure someone or minimize the effort involved in a task or favor.

Origin

  • Comes from the physiological fact that physical exertion or anxiety causes sweating.
  • If a task requires no sweat, it implies it was easy and didn't require significant effort.
  • Similarly, telling someone Don't sweat it means don't worry or get anxious about something.
  • Became common in American English around the mid-20th century.

Synonyms & Related Expressions

  • No problem.
  • Don't worry about it.
  • It's okay. / It's alright.
  • Not a big deal. / No biggie.
  • Think nothing of it. (Slightly more formal)
  • Easy peasy. (Specifically about ease of task)
  • No worries. (Especially Aus/NZ/UK)

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

  • S'all good. (It's all good very casual reassurance)
  • No biggie. (Casual diminutive of 'no big deal')
  • Forget about it. (Often pronounced 'fuhgeddaboudit' in NY/NJ slang, implying it's not worth mentioning)

Milder/Standard:

  • You're welcome. (If responding to thanks for a completed task)
  • It was nothing.
  • Don't mention it.
  • It's quite alright.

Situational Appropriateness

  • Informal.
  • Generally acceptable in casual work environments among peers.
  • Avoid in highly formal situations or when addressing someone significantly senior where more formal reassurances (It's quite alright, Please don't worry) are better.

Misunderstanding Warnings

  • Non-native speakers might be confused by the literal reference to sweat, especially if the context doesn't involve physical activity. Explaining the link between sweat, effort, and worry is key.

Examples

  • Thanks so much for helping me move! / No sweat, happy to help.
  • I'm really sorry I forgot to call you back. / Don't sweat it, it's fine.
  • Can you handle this report? / Yeah, no sweat.

Dialogue

Person A: Oh no, I spilled a little coffee on your book! I'm so sorry!

Person B: Don't sweat it, it barely got wet. It'll dry.

Person A: Are you sure? I feel terrible.

Person B: Yeah, really, no sweat. It's an old book anyway.

Social Media Examples

  • Tweet: My friend forgot to bring the snacks for movie night. Told him 'don't sweat it', pizza works too! 🍕 #movienight #friends
  • Comment: User A: So sorry for the typo in my last message! User B: lol no sweat, didn't even notice.

Response Patterns

  • The person being reassured often responds with gratitude or relief.
  • Thanks!
  • Oh, good. Thanks.
  • Phew, okay. I appreciate it.
  • A simple nod and smile.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing No sweat / Don't sweat it:

  • The reassured person might say Thanks again or You sure? if they still feel bad.
  • They might then move on to the next topic or action, feeling relieved.

After saying No sweat / Don't sweat it:

  • The speaker might add a clarifying statement like It only took a minute or Happy to do it.
  • They might change the subject to put the other person at ease.

Conversation Starter

  • No. Typically a response to an apology, a thank you, or a concern.

Intonation

  • Usually said with a relaxed, casual, and reassuring tone.
  • Stress often falls on No in No sweat or Don't in Don't sweat it.
  • NO sweat. / DON'T sweat it.

Generation Differences

  • Widely understood across generations.
  • Perhaps slightly more associated with Gen X and Millennials, with Gen Z possibly preferring No worries or S'all good, but No sweat is still common.

Regional Variations

  • Very common in American English.
  • Understood in UK/Aus/NZ English, but No worries is often preferred in those regions.
My bad
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