under the weather
Feeling ill or sick
بهطور تحتاللفظی: Positioned beneath the atmospheric conditions
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used for minor illnesses like colds or headaches.
- A polite way to decline invitations or miss work.
- Comes from sailors hiding from storms below the ship's deck.
معنی
This phrase describes feeling slightly unwell or not at 100% health. It is usually used for minor illnesses like a cold, a headache, or just feeling tired.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Texting a friend to cancel coffee
Hey, I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, can we reschedule?
I feel a bit sick today, can we meet another time?
Emailing a manager about a sick day
I'm feeling a little under the weather, so I'll be taking a sick day.
I don't feel well, so I am staying home from work.
Explaining why you aren't eating much at a party
The food looks great, but I'm a bit under the weather tonight.
I feel slightly sick, so I am not eating much.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase originated from maritime history, where sick sailors were sent below deck to recover away from the harsh weather. It became popular in the mid-19th century as a gentle euphemism for illness. Today, it is one of the most widely recognized idioms in the English-speaking world.
The 'Bit' Rule
Native speakers almost always add 'a bit' or 'a little' before the phrase. It makes the illness sound more manageable and less alarming.
Don't use for major issues
If someone is in the ICU, do not say they are 'under the weather.' It sounds like you are making light of a very serious situation.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- Used for minor illnesses like colds or headaches.
- A polite way to decline invitations or miss work.
- Comes from sailors hiding from storms below the ship's deck.
What It Means
When you say you are under the weather, you are telling people you feel sick. It is not for serious emergencies or broken bones. Think of it as a 'polite' way to say you have a cold. You feel a bit heavy, tired, or perhaps have a scratchy throat. It is the perfect phrase for those days when you just want to stay in bed with a hot tea.
How To Use It
You use it just like an adjective after the verb to be. You can say 'I am under the weather' or 'He is feeling a bit under the weather today.' It is very common to add the word bit or slightly before it. This makes you sound less dramatic. If you wake up with a runny nose, this is your go-to phrase.
When To Use It
Use this in almost any daily situation. It works perfectly when you need to cancel plans with a friend. It is also great for telling your boss why you are working from home. Use it at a restaurant if you aren't hungry because your stomach hurts. It sounds softer than saying 'I think I might vomit,' which nobody wants to hear over dinner!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are in the hospital with something serious. If you have a broken leg, you are not under the weather; you are injured. Also, avoid using it to describe someone who is extremely angry or sad. It is strictly for physical (and sometimes very mild mental) fatigue. Using it for a major surgery would sound very strange and confusing to others.
Cultural Background
This phrase actually comes from the old days of sailing ships. When a sailor felt seasick, they would go below the deck. This area was literally 'under' the deck where the weather (wind and rain) was happening. By going below, they were away from the rough waves. Over time, it moved from the ocean to our everyday lives on land.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they are 'feeling a touch under the weather.' Another variation is simply saying 'I’m feeling a bit off.' While under the weather is the classic version, some younger people might just say they are 'coming down with something.' However, the original idiom remains a favorite across all English-speaking countries.
نکات کاربردی
This idiom is very safe to use in almost any setting. It strikes a perfect balance between being descriptive and being polite.
The 'Bit' Rule
Native speakers almost always add 'a bit' or 'a little' before the phrase. It makes the illness sound more manageable and less alarming.
Don't use for major issues
If someone is in the ICU, do not say they are 'under the weather.' It sounds like you are making light of a very serious situation.
The Polite Shield
In English culture, people often use this phrase to avoid talking about gross symptoms like a runny nose or stomach issues. It's a 'clean' way to say you're sick.
مثالها
6Hey, I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, can we reschedule?
I feel a bit sick today, can we meet another time?
Very common way to cancel plans politely.
I'm feeling a little under the weather, so I'll be taking a sick day.
I don't feel well, so I am staying home from work.
Professional yet clear about the situation.
The food looks great, but I'm a bit under the weather tonight.
I feel slightly sick, so I am not eating much.
A polite excuse to avoid eating when nauseous.
After that party, the whole group is looking pretty under the weather.
Everyone looks sick and tired after the party.
Can be used jokingly to describe people who stayed out too late.
You look a bit under the weather, honey. Why don't you lie down?
You look like you feel sick, you should rest.
Shows care and concern for a loved one.
John isn't joining us; he's feeling somewhat under the weather.
John is sick and won't be at the meeting.
Standard professional way to explain an absence.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
I'd love to go hiking, but I'm feeling a bit ___ the weather.
The full idiom is always 'under the weather'.
Which situation is best for this phrase?
If you have a ___ you should say you are under the weather.
The phrase is used for minor illnesses, not major injuries or positive events.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
Formality of 'Under the Weather'
Used with friends and family via text.
Ugh, feeling under the weather. No movie tonight.
The sweet spot for this phrase. Good for work or social events.
I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
Acceptable in professional emails or meetings.
Please excuse my absence as I am under the weather.
When to say 'Under the Weather'
At the Office
Telling your boss you need to go home early.
On a Date
Explaining why you are sneezing so much.
At School
Telling a teacher why you missed class.
On the Phone
Canceling a gym session with a trainer.
بانک تمرین
2 تمرینهاI'd love to go hiking, but I'm feeling a bit ___ the weather.
The full idiom is always 'under the weather'.
If you have a ___ you should say you are under the weather.
The phrase is used for minor illnesses, not major injuries or positive events.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
سوالات متداول
10 سوالUsually no. It almost always refers to physical illness like a cold. However, if you are very tired, you might use it to describe that low-energy feeling.
Yes! It is a very common 'polite' way to describe a hangover without admitting you drank too much. For example: I'm a bit under the weather after last night's party.
Absolutely. It is professional and clear. You can write: I am feeling under the weather and will be working from home today.
No, that is not a phrase. If you feel great, you can say you are on cloud nine or feeling like a million bucks.
You must always include 'the.' Saying I am under weather sounds incorrect to a native speaker.
Yes, it is used in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It is a universal English idiom.
No, you wouldn't use it for injuries. It is specifically for 'feeling' sick or unwell, like a virus or fatigue.
Yes, you can say She's under the weather or The kids are a bit under the weather.
No, it is a standard idiom. It is safe to use with your grandma, your boss, or your best friend.
It comes from old sailing ships. Sailors went below the deck to get 'under' the bad weather when they felt seasick.
عبارات مرتبط
Coming down with something
Starting to feel the first signs of being sick.
Out of sorts
Feeling slightly unwell or just not like your usual self.
Run down
Feeling very tired and weak, often from working too hard.
Back on your feet
Recovering from being sick and feeling healthy again.
