Meaning
Feeling a little sick or unwell, not severely ill.
Cultural Background
British people often use this phrase to avoid 'making a scene.' It's part of the 'stiff upper lip' culture where you acknowledge a problem but don't complain about it. In US office culture, this is the standard 'polite' way to call in sick. It signals that you are sick enough to stay home but not so sick that people need to send flowers. Australians might use this phrase, but they also use 'feeling crook.' 'Under the weather' is seen as slightly more formal or polite. Because it is so common, this idiom is widely understood in international business English, making it a safe choice for non-native speakers in global companies.
Use 'a bit'
Adding 'a bit' or 'a little' makes it sound more natural and less dramatic.
Not for emergencies
Don't use this if you are going to the emergency room; it's too light for that.
Meaning
Feeling a little sick or unwell, not severely ill.
Use 'a bit'
Adding 'a bit' or 'a little' makes it sound more natural and less dramatic.
Not for emergencies
Don't use this if you are going to the emergency room; it's too light for that.
The 'Hangover' Euphemism
If you have a hangover at work, this is the safest way to describe your state without getting in trouble.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct idiom.
I can't come to the party tonight because I'm feeling a bit ________ the weather.
The correct idiom is 'under the weather'.
Which situation is the best time to use 'under the weather'?
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used for minor illnesses and feeling unwell.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Boss: 'Are you coming to the meeting?' You: 'I'm sorry, I'm ________. I think I have a cold.'
'Under the weather' is the only phrase here that means 'sick'.
Match the phrase to the correct meaning.
Match 'Under the weather' with its definition:
The idiom specifically refers to health.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI can't come to the party tonight because I'm feeling a bit ________ the weather.
The correct idiom is 'under the weather'.
Choose the best scenario:
The idiom is used for minor illnesses and feeling unwell.
Boss: 'Are you coming to the meeting?' You: 'I'm sorry, I'm ________. I think I have a cold.'
'Under the weather' is the only phrase here that means 'sick'.
Match 'Under the weather' with its definition:
The idiom specifically refers to health.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it must always be 'the weather'. The idiom is a fixed phrase.
Yes, it is very common and professional in emails to explain an absence.
Usually, it refers to physical health, but some people use it to mean they are feeling a bit sad or low energy.
No, it's generally for 'internal' feelings like sickness, headaches, or fatigue.
'Sick' is a direct word. 'Under the weather' is an idiom that sounds a bit softer and more polite.
Yes, it is used in all major varieties of English, including British, American, Canadian, and Australian.
Yes, 'feel' and 'be' are both perfectly correct with this idiom.
Yes, it has been used for about 200 years, but it is still very modern and common today.
Yes, it's often used when you feel exhausted or 'run down'.
No, idioms like this don't have plural forms. You can't say 'under the weathers'.
Related Phrases
Coming down with something
similarStarting to feel sick.
Back on one's feet
contrastRecovered from an illness.
Run down
similarTired and lacking energy.
In the pink
contrastIn very good health.
