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Without Breaking a Sweat

Without Breaking a Sweat.

English
idiom

To do something difficult very easily and without any effort.

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What it means...

When someone does something without breaking a sweat, they accomplish it effortlessly — with no visible struggle or strain.

It's used to describe impressive skill or ability that makes a hard task look easy.

Use it when…

  • When someone finishes a difficult task quickly and easily.
  • When you want to praise someone for making something hard look effortless.
  • When a person handles a challenging situation with calm and confidence.

Don’t confuse with...

Wrong icon

"Piece of Cake"

A task that is simply easy to do

Wrong icon

"By the Skin of Your Teeth"

Barely manage to succeed after nearly failing

Correct icon

"Without Breaking a Sweat"

Do something difficult with complete ease and skill

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Without Breaking a Sweat" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Office Conversations

Her colleagues watched in disbelief as she resolved the client complaint without breaking a sweat.

Relationships & Social Life

Friends

He ran ten kilometers without breaking a sweat, while the rest of the group was completely exhausted.

Media & Everyday Life

TV Shows / Movies

The veteran detective solved the case without breaking a sweat, leaving the newer officers stunned.

Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Without Breaking a Sweat" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Giving Feedback

Boss

You handled that presentation without breaking a sweat — the client was very impressed.

You

Thank you — I put a lot of preparation in beforehand.

Relationships

Talking to Friend

You

You just rebuilt that entire website in two days without breaking a sweat.

Friend

It helped that I'd done something similar before.

Everyday Conversations

Describing Events

You

She negotiated the whole deal without breaking a sweat — I was genuinely in awe.

Colleague

She's been doing this for twenty years. Nothing rattles her.

Last updated:
April 20, 2026

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