Phrase guide

sweat the small stuff

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To worry about petty issues or insignificant matters.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, informal

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the idea that small stuff, or small-diameter cordage used in sailing, should not be tightened by sweating, i. e. pulling the rope perpendicular to its length, as one does to pull large-diameter rope tight.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Hungarian: túlaggódja magát — to worry about petty issues or insignificant matters
  • Hungarian: apróságok miatt aggódik/aggodalmaskodik — to worry about petty issues or insignificant matters
  • Spanish: ahogarse en un vaso de agua — to worry about petty issues or insignificant matters