sudare freddo
Lemma: sudare freddo
Translation: to sweat cold; to break out in a cold sweat; to be very nervous or frightened (idiom)
Etymology: This Italian idiom combines 'sudare' (to sweat) from Latin 'sudare' with 'freddo' (cold) from Latin 'frigidus'. The expression vividly describes the physiological reaction of cold perspiration that occurs during extreme fear, anxiety, or stress. The combination creates a powerful image of the body's response to threatening situations.
Example Usage
Durante l'esame ho sudato freddo.
During the exam I broke out in a cold sweat.
Quando ha visto l'orso, ha sudato freddo dalla paura.
When he saw the bear, he broke out in a cold sweat from fear.
I passeggeri hanno sudato freddo durante la turbolenza.
The passengers broke out in a cold sweat during the turbulence.
Mnemonics
- Think of the cold sweat you feel when watching a horror movie
- Remember the physical sensation of cold perspiration on your forehead when you're extremely nervous
- Visualize someone 'freezing' with fear while simultaneously sweating
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in Italian to describe intense fear or anxiety. It appears frequently in literature, films, and everyday conversation when describing stressful situations like exams, public speaking, or dangerous encounters.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'sudare freddo' specifically refers to cold sweat from fear or anxiety, 'sudare molto' simply means 'to sweat a lot' usually from heat or exertion.
Confused word:
Ho sudato molto durante la corsa di stamattina.
I sweated a lot during this morning's run.
Notes: The key difference is the cause and nature of sweating - 'sudare freddo' is involuntary and caused by fear, while 'sudare molto' is typically from physical exertion.
Mnemonic: 'Freddo' indicates fear (cold sweat), while 'molto' indicates quantity (lots of sweat).
Explanation: While both are idioms about sweating, 'sudare freddo' refers specifically to fear-induced cold sweat, whereas 'sudare sette camicie' (to sweat seven shirts) means to work extremely hard or make a great effort.
Confused word:
Ho sudato sette camicie per finire questo progetto in tempo.
I worked extremely hard to finish this project on time.
Notes: These idioms represent different types of discomfort - one emotional (fear), one physical (exhaustion).
Mnemonic: 'Freddo' connects to fear, 'sette camicie' connects to hard work.