In 15 Seconds
- Used for intense fear or anxiety, not physical tiredness.
- Means something gave you a 'cold sweat' or a scare.
- Perfect for close calls, scary movies, or high-pressure meetings.
Meaning
This phrase describes that terrifying moment when your heart drops and you break into a cold sweat. It is used when something—or someone—gives you a real scare or makes you incredibly anxious.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a scary movie
Ce film d'horreur m'a donné des sueurs froides tout au long.
That horror movie gave me cold sweats the whole time.
A close call while driving
Le camion a failli nous percuter, ça m'a donné des sueurs froides.
The truck almost hit us; it gave me cold sweats.
Texting a friend about a lost passport
J'ai cru avoir perdu mon passeport à l'aéroport, j'ai eu des sueurs froides !
I thought I lost my passport at the airport, I had cold sweats!
Cultural Background
Le titre français du film 'Vertigo' d'Alfred Hitchcock est 'Sueurs froides'. Cela montre l'importance de l'expression dans la culture cinématographique française. Au Québec, l'expression est tout aussi courante, mais on peut aussi entendre des expressions plus colorées pour la peur comme 'avoir les shakes'. Les Belges utilisent cette expression de la même manière que les Français, souvent dans un contexte de stress lié à la bureaucratie ou aux transports. En Suisse romande, l'expression est utilisée fréquemment dans les contextes sportifs, notamment pour le ski ou l'alpinisme.
Use with 'Ça'
The most natural way to use this is starting with 'Ça' (That). 'Ça me donne des sueurs froides.'
Gender Agreement
Remember that 'sueur' is feminine. Even advanced learners sometimes say 'froids' by mistake.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for intense fear or anxiety, not physical tiredness.
- Means something gave you a 'cold sweat' or a scare.
- Perfect for close calls, scary movies, or high-pressure meetings.
What It Means
Imagine you are walking home and realize your phone is missing. That instant chill you feel? That is what donner des sueurs froides captures. It describes a situation that triggers an immediate, physical reaction of fear or intense stress. It is not about being tired from a long day. It is about that 'heart-in-your-throat' feeling. You use it when a close call makes you shiver.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase to describe people, events, or even objects. The structure is simple: [Something/Someone] donne des sueurs froides à [Someone]. For example, Ce film me donne des sueurs froides. You can also say you 'had' them: J'ai eu des sueurs froides. It is a great way to add drama to your storytelling. Just remember it is a physical metaphor for anxiety.
When To Use It
Use it when you barely avoided a car accident. Use it when your boss asks to see you 'immediately' without context. It is perfect for talking about horror movies or high-stakes sports moments. If you are texting a friend about a near-miss, this is your go-to phrase. It works well when you want to emphasize how high the pressure was. It makes your listener feel the tension you felt.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this to mean you are sleepy or physically exhausted. If you just finished a marathon, use être épuisé instead. It is also not for mild annoyance. If someone is just being a bit loud, they aren't giving you cold sweats. Avoid using it in very dry, technical reports. It is too descriptive and emotional for a formal manual. Save it for when there is actual adrenaline involved.
Cultural Background
French culture loves a good visceral metaphor. The idea of 'cold sweat' has been linked to fear in French literature for centuries. It suggests a fear so deep it overrides your body's internal thermostat. It reflects the French tendency to express emotions through physical sensations. It is a staple in French thrillers and news headlines. It turns a mental state into a shared physical experience.
Common Variations
You might hear avoir des sueurs froides which means 'to have cold sweats.' Another common one is donner des sueurs, dropping the 'cold' but keeping the meaning. If you want to be more intense, you can say donner des sueurs froides dans le dos. This adds the image of the chill running down your spine. All of these convey that same sense of 'I am freaking out right now.'
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and versatile. It is appropriate for most social and professional situations where a dramatic description of fear or stress is needed. Avoid using it for physical fatigue.
Use with 'Ça'
The most natural way to use this is starting with 'Ça' (That). 'Ça me donne des sueurs froides.'
Gender Agreement
Remember that 'sueur' is feminine. Even advanced learners sometimes say 'froids' by mistake.
Retrospective Fear
You can use it for things that happened in the past that you are only now realizing were dangerous: 'J'en ai des sueurs froides rétrospectives.'
Examples
6Ce film d'horreur m'a donné des sueurs froides tout au long.
That horror movie gave me cold sweats the whole time.
A classic use for describing fear induced by media.
Le camion a failli nous percuter, ça m'a donné des sueurs froides.
The truck almost hit us; it gave me cold sweats.
Used here for a sudden, life-threatening scare.
J'ai cru avoir perdu mon passeport à l'aéroport, j'ai eu des sueurs froides !
I thought I lost my passport at the airport, I had cold sweats!
Expresses the panic of a high-stakes mistake.
L'idée de rater cette échéance donne des sueurs froides à toute l'équipe.
The idea of missing this deadline gives the whole team cold sweats.
Professional but emphasizes the gravity of the situation.
Regarder mon compte en banque après les vacances me donne des sueurs froides.
Looking at my bank account after the holidays gives me cold sweats.
Using a dramatic phrase for a relatable, everyday stressor.
Cette chute de la bourse donne des sueurs froides aux investisseurs.
This stock market crash is giving investors cold sweats.
Commonly used in news and financial contexts.
Test Yourself
Complétez la phrase avec les mots corrects.
Cette histoire de fantômes m'a ______ des sueurs ______.
On utilise le verbe 'donner' et l'adjectif 'froides' s'accorde avec le nom féminin pluriel 'sueurs'.
Quelle phrase est correcte ?
How do you say 'I have cold sweats'?
En français, on utilise le verbe 'avoir' pour exprimer une sensation physique comme celle-ci.
Associez la situation à l'expression.
Vous avez failli tomber d'une échelle très haute.
Une chute potentielle est une situation effrayante qui provoque une réaction de peur.
Complétez le dialogue.
A: Tu as vu le prix de l'essence ? B: Oui, ça ______.
L'augmentation des prix peut causer de l'anxiété financière.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesCette histoire de fantômes m'a ______ des sueurs ______.
On utilise le verbe 'donner' et l'adjectif 'froides' s'accorde avec le nom féminin pluriel 'sueurs'.
How do you say 'I have cold sweats'?
En français, on utilise le verbe 'avoir' pour exprimer une sensation physique comme celle-ci.
Vous avez failli tomber d'une échelle très haute.
Une chute potentielle est une situation effrayante qui provoque une réaction de peur.
A: Tu as vu le prix de l'essence ? B: Oui, ça ______.
L'augmentation des prix peut causer de l'anxiété financière.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'sueurs froides' is strictly for fear, anxiety, or dread. For a positive surprise, use 'être agréablement surpris'.
It is 'une sueur' (feminine). In this idiom, it is almost always plural: 'des sueurs'.
Yes, it's often used to describe high-stress financial situations or risky projects.
'Avoir peur' is a general feeling. 'Donner des sueurs froides' describes a more intense, physical reaction to fear.
It's rare. The plural 'des sueurs froides' is the standard idiomatic form.
No. 'Cold feet' means hesitating to do something. 'Sueurs froides' means being terrified.
Yes, you can use it sarcastically for something that isn't actually scary to be funny.
It's better for journalism or creative writing than a strictly academic or legal essay.
Because fear causes blood to leave the skin's surface, making you feel chilled even while sweating.
Yes, you can say 'ça me fout les boules' or 'ça me fait flipper', but these are very informal.
Related Phrases
faire froid dans le dos
synonymTo send a chill down the spine.
donner la chair de poule
similarTo give goosebumps.
glacer le sang
specialized formTo freeze the blood.
avoir la frousse
similarTo be scared (informal).
