A'mr
break a sweat what's the meaning of " break a sweat on the floor " in american english ? 
thanks in adance
Apr 10, 2018 11:44 PM
Comments · 6
2
Well, that’s more a question for the question board isn’t it? But, it’s really simple. Breaking a sweat is just sweating due to physical activity, like sawing a piece of wood in two. But, if you add „on the floor“, the only thing that comes to mind is the dance floor. So, if you said „he broke a sweat on the floor“ I can only assume it would refer to dancing on a dance floor. And, although I would consider it an odd sounding phrase, I would say it would probably only be used in the negative.  Hence, „He was in such good shape, he didn’t even break a sweat on the (dance) floor.“ Outside of that context, I‘ve never heard the phrase used with regards to any other kind of floor. 
April 11, 2018
1

Whenever you hear the word "the floor" in a song, they are almost always talking about a dance floor. It reminds me of this great old disco song, by Sylvester, "You make me feel mighty real"


"When we're out there dancin' on the floor darlin'

And I feel I need some more 

And I feel your body close to mine

And I move on love, it's about that time

Make me feel, mighty real

Make me feel mighty real

...................

James Wirrick, Sylvester, Recorded 1978 at Fantasy Sound Studios, Berkeley, California, produced by Fantasy Records. 




April 11, 2018
1
I was going to say "on the floor" was referring to basketball, but the song is definitely about the dance floor
April 11, 2018
1
"To break a sweat" literally means "to start sweating", but it's used to mean "to work/do something hard".  My guess is that "to break a sweat on the floor" means to dance (on the dance floor) enthusiastically. The word "floor" might also mean "factory floor" which means "factory work area". 
April 11, 2018
Thanks @Shl you helped me very well , I'm grateful 
April 11, 2018
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