under the weather
Meaning
Feeling slightly ill or unwell (often with mild symptoms like a cold or fatigue).
Origin
From a nautical phrase: sailors who felt seasick were sent below deck, literally kept "under the weather" (away from wind and rough conditions). It later generalized to mean feeling unwell.
Notes
A mild, polite way to say you feel unwell; often implies itโs not serious. Common in everyday speech and casual writing. Not typically used for severe illness.
Examples
-
Iโm feeling a bit under the weather today, so Iโm going to stay home and rest.
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She sounded under the weather on the phone, so I told her not to worry about the meeting.
-
After the long flight, he was under the weather for a couple of days.
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If youโre under the weather, itโs probably best to skip the gym and get some sleep.
-
Iโve been a little under the weather since yesterday, but I should be fine by tomorrow.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with a linking verb: "be under the weather" (am/is/are/was). Often modified by "a bit/a little". Rarely used as a standalone noun phrase.
Synonyms
- feeling unwell
- not feeling well
- ill
- sick
- indisposed
- run down
Antonyms
- in good health
- feeling great
- well
- healthy