Girls, next time you feel the need to have a meaningful chat with your man you may want to think carefully before using the words:“We need to talk.”

According to a survey by deodorant expert Right Guard, men dread this phrase more than any other in the English language. The four little words make their hearts race and can bring on swearing and sweating apparently.

Other phrases that scare the bejesus out of the poor guys include “Can I borrow your credit card?” and “I've got something to tell you.”

Happily “I love you” doesn't come into the top ten - which is nice - but then maybe that doesn't bring on sweats, just screaming and running in the opposite direction.

The full list of top ten phrases most likely to bring people out in a sweat is:

1. We need to talk
2. The boss wants to see you now
3. I've had a bit of an accident
4. Can I borrow your credit card?
5. There's a leak (upstairs/in the bathroom etc)
6. Did you remember my birthday?
7. I've got something to tell you
8. You know that xxx (tenner/car/lawnmower etc) that you lent me?
9. You haven't forgotten we're going out tonight
10. Now I know it looks bad but...