phrase🎓 English idiom

under the weather

feeling ill

What it means

Feeling slightly ill, unwell, or low in energy. It's a gentle, understated way to say you're sick without sounding too serious, and can also describe a mild hangover.

Examples

  • I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so I'll stay home today.
  • She looked pale and admitted she'd been under the weather all week.
  • Sorry I missed the call, I was under the weather yesterday.
  • He's still a little under the weather after his long flight.

Where it comes from

A nautical phrase: seasick or ill sailors were sent below deck to recover, literally going 'under' the bad 'weather' on deck. It became common in the 19th century.

Related idioms

#hit the sack#raining cats and dogs#kick the bucket#hit rock bottom

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