WordValeunder the weather
feeling ill
In more detail
(idiom) feeling sick or unwell; not feeling good
Examples
- I've been under the weather all week, so I'm staying home today.
How to use under the weather
This is a common idiomatic expression used to describe minor or temporary illness, typically without serious concern. It is friendly and informal in tone, often used in everyday conversation to explain why someone cannot work or attend an event. The expression is milder than 'seriously ill' and suggests the person will likely recover quickly.
Common phrases
- feeling under the weather
- a bit under the weather
- slightly under the weather
- come down with something
- seem under the weather
Synonyms
feeling ill · unwell · out of sorts · not feeling oneself · poorly
Opposites
in good health · well · fit
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use this phrase too literally or assume it refers only to weather-related illness, when it actually describes general minor illness regardless of meteorological conditions.
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