[ti:Don't Sweat It and Other Sweaty Expressions] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:08.16]And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English. [00:19.60]Sweat. Those tiny drops of perspiration [00:23.88]that make up part of our bodies cooling system. [00:29.00]We sweat when we do hard physical work. [00:33.12]We sweat when we exercise. [00:37.40]In these situations we can say we "work up a sweat." [00:43.12]For example, running is a great way to work up a sweat. [00:50.12]We also sweat when it is hot outside. [00:53.64]But we wouldn't say we worked up a sweat. [00:57.72]We didn't do any work. [01:00.00]We just got sweaty by being hot. [01:04.80]We often use another verb when talking about sweating: break. [01:11.72]For example, when I helped my friend [01:15.00]move to her new apartment, I barely broke a sweat. [01:20.28]That is because she doesn't own very much. [01:24.32]I just needed to help her move some books, [01:28.24]kitchen items, a box of clothes, and a cat. [01:34.00]Now, there are other situations when people may sweat. [01:38.60]When we are very scared, nervous, worried, [01:44.20]or simply uncertain about something, we could sweat. [01:50.44]If any of these feelings go to an extreme, [01:53.88]we might say we "broke out in a cold sweat." [01:59.16]For example, people who do not like [02:02.28]to speak in front of strangers might break out in a cold sweat [02:08.04]if they have to talk to a large crowd of people. [02:12.28]Sweating can also be a sign that you are unsure of your ability. [02:19.84]That is why one popular advertisement for underarm deodorant [02:25.00]had this famous expression: "Never let them see you sweat." [02:32.28]Sweating could also be seen as a sign that you lying [02:38.08]-- or at least not telling the whole truth. [02:42.28]If you watch crime shows, sweating is one thing [02:46.40]police look for when they question a suspect of a crime. [02:52.40]Now, sometimes we use the word sweat in a strange way. [02:58.36]Let's say you help someone do something. [03:01.68]But it was really not a big deal for you. [03:05.08]The person thanks you. [03:07.08]And you can say to them, "No sweat!" [03:10.40]This just means it was easy for you to do. [03:15.08]But I would only use this with someone I know fairly well. [03:21.00]Here is another strange expression: "Don't sweat it." [03:25.88]This is a way of saying "no problem" or "don't worry about it." [03:32.40]Here's a quick story. [03:34.76]One time, my roommate and I decided to have a stoop sale. [03:41.20]This is a fun way to get rid of stuff and make a little money. [03:47.16]It also gives you a chance to see people in the neighborhood [03:51.68]because the stoop is the front area of a building [03:56.00]-- the part with the steps. [03:59.36]In the morning, we worked up a sweat carrying all the items down. [04:05.00]But once things were set up, we could relax [04:09.08]and talk to people who stopped by. [04:11.96]It was really fun to get rid of things we no longer wanted. [04:17.40]And by the end of the day we had earned [04:20.84]nearly $100 to spend on a little party for everyone. [04:26.96]It was a really hot day and during the sale, I sweated up a storm. [04:33.04]So, I took off my favorite jacket and set it aside. [04:38.28]By the end of the morning, I couldn't find it. [04:42.44]My roommate asked me, [04:44.60]"Was it the black jacket with lightning on it?" [04:48.76]"Yes," I answered. [04:51.24]She quietly said, "I think I sold it." [04:55.08]I could tell that she felt badly. [04:58.40]So, to make her feel better I said, [05:01.80]"Don't sweat it! It's not a big deal. [05:05.72]Come on, let's order pizza and drinks!" [05:09.76]Inside, though, I must admit ... I was a little upset. [05:15.12]It was my favorite jacket. [05:18.36]But those feelings did not last long. [05:22.52]There are too many serious problems in life. [05:26.32]So, it is important to not get upset about small things. [05:32.00]In other words, don't sweat the small stuff. [05:37.48]Here is my last note is on usage. [05:41.44]While "sweat" and "perspiration" are physically the same thing, [05:46.96]the two words are often not used the same way. [05:52.52]We do not say "perspiration" [05:54.76]in the same informal way we say "sweat." [05:59.72]So, with all of the expressions we heard today, [06:03.28]we only use the word "sweat." [06:06.32]We would not say we "worked up perspiration" or "broke perspiration." [06:12.72]And we definitely would not say, Don't perspire the small stuff. [06:19.24]But if you make a mistake ... don't sweat it! [06:23.64]And that's it for this Words and Their Stories. [06:26.12]Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo. [06:29.20]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM