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under the weather

B1 idiom #9,876 most common 8 min read

under the weather

Top 9,876

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips under the weather in 30 Seconds

Explanation under the weather in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can learn 'under the weather' as a special way to say 'I am a little sick.' It is a very common phrase in English. Instead of saying 'I have a cold' or 'I am tired,' you can say 'I am under the weather.' This makes you sound more like a native speaker. It is important to remember three words: under, the, and weather. You use it with the verb 'to be' (am/is/are) or 'feel.' For example: 'I feel under the weather.' This means you are not very sick, just a little bit. You might have a small headache or feel sleepy. It is a polite thing to say when you cannot go to class or meet a friend. You do not need to explain why you are sick. Just say the phrase, and people will understand. It is a very friendly and common expression that everyone in English-speaking countries knows. Practice saying it slowly: un-der the wea-ther. It is a great first idiom to learn because it is so useful in daily life.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'under the weather' to describe minor illnesses more naturally. This idiom is an adjective phrase used to describe a feeling of being unwell. It is usually not for serious things like breaking a bone, but for things like a cold, a slight fever, or feeling very tired. You will often hear people add words like 'a bit' or 'a little' before it. For example, 'I'm a bit under the weather.' This is a very common way to soften the sentence. In professional situations, like at work or school, this phrase is very helpful. If you need to send an email because you cannot work, you can write: 'I'm feeling a little under the weather today, so I will work from home.' This is polite and clear. Remember that the word 'weather' here does not mean rain or snow; it is just part of the idiom. The origin comes from sailors who felt sick because of the rough sea and went below the deck, 'under the weather' of the storm. Today, we use it for any minor sickness.

For B1 learners, 'under the weather' is an essential idiom for achieving fluency in everyday conversation. It is categorized as a B1 level expression because it requires an understanding of idiomatic language—where the meaning of the whole phrase is different from the individual words. At this level, you should focus on using it in various tenses and with different subjects. For instance, 'She has been feeling under the weather all week' or 'They were a bit under the weather after the party.' It is a versatile phrase that fits perfectly into the B1 goal of describing feelings and health. You should also notice how it is used to avoid being too specific. If you don't want to tell someone you have an upset stomach, 'under the weather' is the perfect polite euphemism. It is also important to distinguish it from other health-related terms. While 'sick' can be very general, 'under the weather' specifically implies a minor, temporary condition. Using this phrase correctly shows that you are comfortable with the nuances of English social interaction.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'under the weather' with precision and understand its social implications. This idiom is a classic example of English understatement. Instead of complaining loudly about a migraine, a native speaker might simply say they are 'feeling a bit under the weather.' As a B2 learner, you can use this to your advantage in professional and social settings to maintain a level of decorum. You should also be aware of the register; while it is common in speech, it is less common in very formal academic writing, though perfectly acceptable in business emails. You can also pair it with more advanced adverbs like 'decidedly,' 'somewhat,' or 'rather' to vary your expression. For example, 'He's been looking decidedly under the weather since the project began.' Additionally, at this level, you can contrast it with more intense idioms like 'at death's door' (very sick) or 'on the mend' (getting better). Understanding these relationships helps you build a more complex and nuanced vocabulary for discussing health and well-being.

For C1 learners, 'under the weather' is a phrase that should be used effortlessly and in the correct context. At this advanced level, you should understand the subtle connotations of the phrase. It often implies a loss of vitality or a general malaise that might not be purely physical. For example, 'The team has been feeling a bit under the weather since the merger' uses the idiom metaphorically to describe a lack of morale or energy. You should also be able to recognize the phrase in literature and high-level journalism, where it might be used to describe an organization, an economy, or a political climate that is struggling but not yet in crisis. Furthermore, you should be aware of its historical maritime roots—referring to the part of the ship most affected by the wind and waves—and how this history informs its current meaning of being 'bowed' by external pressures. Using 'under the weather' in these more abstract or metaphorical ways demonstrates a high level of linguistic flexibility and an appreciation for the depth of English idioms.

At the C2 level, 'under the weather' is a tool for sophisticated communication, used with a full awareness of its idiomatic weight and historical resonance. You can employ it with irony, humor, or deep understatement to achieve specific rhetorical effects. For instance, a C2 speaker might use it sarcastically to describe someone who is clearly hungover, or with extreme understatement to describe a situation that is actually quite dire, depending on the desired tone. You should also be comfortable analyzing the phrase's role in the broader landscape of English euphemisms for illness and discomfort. At this level, you should be able to seamlessly integrate it into complex sentence structures, such as 'While she appeared to be merely under the weather, subsequent tests revealed a much more systemic issue.' Your mastery of the phrase includes knowing exactly when *not* to use it—recognizing when a more clinical, urgent, or poetic term is required. C2 proficiency involves not just knowing the idiom, but possessing the stylistic judgment to use it as a precise instrument in the orchestra of your language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

under the weather in 30 Seconds

A common English idiom meaning to feel slightly sick or unwell.
Used for minor illnesses like colds, headaches, or general tiredness.
A polite way to excuse yourself from work or social events without details.
Origins come from maritime history, referring to sea-sickness during bad weather.

The idiom under the weather is one of the most frequently used expressions in the English language to describe a state of physical or mental malaise that is not severe enough to warrant a hospital visit but significant enough to affect one's daily routine. When you say you are feeling under the weather, you are communicating that you feel unwell, slightly sick, or simply not at your peak performance level. It is a polite and somewhat vague way to describe symptoms like a mild cold, a headache, fatigue, or the beginning of a flu.

Social Context: In social and professional settings, this phrase is highly valued because it allows for privacy. You can inform your boss or a friend that you cannot attend an event without having to disclose specific, and perhaps unpleasant, medical details. It covers everything from a lack of sleep to a minor stomach upset.

I'm sorry I missed the meeting; I was feeling a bit under the weather this morning and decided to stay in bed.

Intensity: The phrase often implies a temporary state. It suggests that while you are down today, you expect to be 'above the weather' or back to normal very soon. It is the linguistic equivalent of a 'get well soon' card.

Sarah looked a little under the weather at lunch, so I suggested she go home early.

Modern Usage: While it historically referred to physical sea-sickness, modern usage has expanded to include feeling 'off' mentally or emotionally, such as feeling burnt out or drained after a long week of work.

The rainy season always makes me feel a bit under the weather and lethargic.

After the long flight across the Atlantic, the whole family felt quite under the weather.

He didn't eat his dinner, which is a sure sign he's feeling under the weather.

The phrase is universally understood across the English-speaking world, from London to New York to Sydney. It remains a staple of conversational English because of its gentleness and utility in everyday life.

Using the idiom under the weather correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and its level of formality. It functions as an adjective phrase, usually appearing after a linking verb like 'to be' (am, is, are, was, were) or 'to feel'. You cannot use it as a noun or a direct object. For example, you wouldn't say 'I have an under the weather'; instead, you say 'I am feeling under the weather.'

Grammar Tip: It is almost always preceded by a qualifier like 'a bit', 'slightly', 'rather', or 'somewhat'. These qualifiers soften the statement, emphasizing that the illness is minor.

She's been feeling a bit under the weather since the temperature dropped.

Tense Variations: The phrase works in all tenses. Past: 'I was under the weather yesterday.' Present: 'I am under the weather today.' Future: 'I hope I won't be under the weather for the wedding.'

If you start feeling under the weather, please let the nurse know immediately.

Negative Forms: While less common, you can use it in the negative to express health: 'I'm glad to say I'm not feeling under the weather anymore.'

The athlete complained of feeling under the weather after the grueling marathon.

Whenever I eat too much dairy, I end up feeling under the weather the next day.

Even though he was under the weather, he managed to finish his presentation.

This idiom is a versatile tool for any English learner, bridging the gap between clinical descriptions and overly casual slang. It provides a comfortable middle ground for daily communication.

You will encounter under the weather in a wide variety of settings, ranging from the office to casual family dinners. It is arguably the most common way to describe a minor illness in professional environments. If an employee calls in sick, they might say, 'I'm feeling a bit under the weather and won't be coming in today.' This is considered professional and polite.

In Media: Television shows, movies, and podcasts frequently use this phrase. It is a 'safe' idiom that scriptwriters use to explain why a character is absent from a scene or why they are acting lethargic without needing to introduce a complex medical subplot.

In the sitcom, the main character pretended to be under the weather to avoid going to a boring opera.

Daily Life: In grocery stores, pharmacies, or doctor's waiting rooms, you might hear people use it to describe their symptoms to a pharmacist or a receptionist. 'I've been a bit under the weather lately, do you have any vitamins you'd recommend?'

The teacher noticed several students were under the weather during the flu season.

Literature: While it is primarily a spoken idiom, it appears in contemporary literature and journalism to describe a general sense of malaise in a community or even an economy, though the health-related meaning is most common.

The article stated that the local tourism industry was feeling under the weather due to the recent travel restrictions.

My grandmother always says she's under the weather when the damp winter air starts to affect her joints.

'You look under the weather,' said the barista as she handed me a hot ginger tea.

Because it is so ubiquitous, mastering this idiom will make your English sound significantly more natural and native-like in almost any conversation regarding health and wellness.

Despite its simplicity, there are several common errors that learners make when using under the weather. The most frequent mistake is using the wrong preposition. Some learners say 'below the weather' or 'beneath the weather'. These are incorrect; the idiom is fixed as 'under'.

Severity Error: Another mistake is using the idiom for very serious medical conditions. If someone has a chronic illness or is in the hospital for a major operation, saying they are 'under the weather' can sound dismissive or minimize their suffering.

Incorrect: He had a heart attack and is feeling under the weather.

Literal Misinterpretation: Learners sometimes think the phrase literally refers to the weather (rain, snow, sun). While the weather can *make* you feel under the weather (like a cold day causing a sniffle), the phrase describes your health, not the meteorology.

Incorrect: I am under the weather because it is raining outside. (Unless the rain made you sick!)

Word Order: Do not try to rearrange the words. Saying 'the weather is under me' or 'I am weather-under' is nonsensical in English.

Correct: After working 14 hours straight, I feel quite under the weather.

Correct: You shouldn't go for a run if you're feeling under the weather.

Correct: I stayed home because I was under the weather, not because I was lazy.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will use the idiom with the confidence and accuracy of a native speaker, ensuring your message is perfectly understood.

While under the weather is incredibly common, there are several other ways to express that you are not feeling well, depending on the context and the specific feeling you have.

Unwell: This is a more formal and direct alternative. It is very common in British English. 'I am feeling rather unwell' sounds slightly more serious than 'under the weather'.

Off-color: This British idiom specifically suggests that someone looks pale or sick. 'You look a bit off-color today, are you alright?'

Comparing: 'I'm under the weather' (General) vs 'I'm feeling peakish' (Old-fashioned/British for looking sick).

Out of sorts: This phrase is often used when someone feels slightly unwell but also irritable or not quite themselves mentally. 'I'm a bit out of sorts today; I think I need more coffee.'

He's been under the weather all week, so he's quite behind on his work.

Sick as a dog: This is an informal idiom used for much more severe but still temporary illnesses, like food poisoning or a very bad flu. It is much stronger than 'under the weather'.

I was under the weather on Monday, but by Tuesday I was sick as a dog.

The doctor said I'm just under the weather and need some rest.

Everyone in the office is under the weather thanks to the broken air conditioning.

Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your language to the situation, showing a high level of linguistic sophistication.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

Even though it includes the word 'weather', you can use it on a perfectly sunny day! It's one of the few idioms that has survived almost unchanged for centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈʌndə ðə ˈweðə/

US /ˈʌndər ðə ˈweðər/

Primary stress is on 'under' and 'weather'.

Rhymes With

wonder thunder blunder plunder feather leather together heather

Common Errors

Saying 'we-ther' instead of 'we-ther' (the 'th' sound).
Pronouncing 'under' as 'onder'.
Ignoring the 'the' in the middle.
Mispronouncing 'weather' as 'whether' (though they sound similar, 'weather' has a softer 'w').
Stress on the wrong syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct preposition and article usage.

Speaking 3/5

Natural delivery requires practice with qualifiers.

Listening 2/5

Very common and easy to hear.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

under the weather feel sick

Learn Next

right as rain fit as a fiddle out of sorts on the mend come down with

Advanced

malaise indisposed valetudinarian hypochondriac convalesce

Grammar to Know

Linking Verbs

I *feel* under the weather. (Feel is the linking verb).

Adverbs of Degree

I am *slightly* under the weather. (Slightly modifies the idiom).

Prepositional Phrases

The phrase starts with the preposition 'under'.

Idiomatic Consistency

You cannot say 'over the weather' to mean healthy.

Tense Agreement

I *was* under the weather yesterday.

Examples by Level

I am under the weather today.

I am a little sick.

Use 'am' with 'I'.

Are you under the weather?

Are you sick?

Question form: Verb 'Are' comes first.

He is a bit under the weather.

He is a little sick.

'A bit' makes the feeling smaller.

She feels under the weather.

She feels sick.

Use 'feels' for the 3rd person singular.

We are under the weather.

We are sick.

Plural subject 'We' uses 'are'.

I was under the weather yesterday.

I was sick yesterday.

Past tense of 'am' is 'was'.

Don't go out if you are under the weather.

Don't go out if you are sick.

Imperative 'Don't go' + conditional 'if'.

I feel a little under the weather.

I feel slightly sick.

'A little' is a common qualifier.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so I'll stay home.

I feel sick, so I am staying at home.

Using 'so' to show a result.

My sister is under the weather and can't come to the park.

My sister is sick and cannot go to the park.

Joining two clauses with 'and'.

You look a little under the weather; do you have a cold?

You look sick; do you have a cold?

Using 'look' as a linking verb.

Everyone in my class is under the weather this week.

The whole class is sick.

'Everyone' is followed by a singular verb 'is'.

I was under the weather, but I feel better now.

I was sick, but I am okay now.

Using 'but' to show a change.

If you're under the weather, you should drink more water.

If you are sick, drink water.

Conditional sentence with 'should' for advice.

She stayed in bed because she was under the weather.

She stayed in bed because she was sick.

Using 'because' to show a reason.

The doctor says I'm just a bit under the weather.

The doctor says I am a little sick.

Reported speech using 'says'.

I've been feeling under the weather lately, so I might skip the gym.

I have been slightly sick recently.

Present perfect continuous 'have been feeling'.

He missed the party because he was feeling a bit under the weather.

He didn't go because he felt unwell.

Past continuous 'was feeling' for a temporary state.

Whenever the seasons change, I always feel slightly under the weather.

I get a little sick when the seasons change.

Adverbial clause of time 'Whenever...'

She looked quite under the weather at the meeting this morning.

She appeared sick during the meeting.

'Quite' is used for emphasis.

I'm sorry I didn't call; I was feeling rather under the weather.

I felt unwell, so I didn't call.

'Rather' is a more formal qualifier.

If you're still under the weather tomorrow, you should see a doctor.

If you are still sick tomorrow, go to the doctor.

First conditional structure.

The kids are a bit under the weather after their camping trip.

The children are sick after camping.

Prepositional phrase 'after their camping trip'.

I hope you aren't feeling under the weather for your big presentation.

I hope you aren't sick for your speech.

Negative continuous form 'aren't feeling'.

I've been feeling decidedly under the weather since I got back from my trip.

I have definitely felt unwell since my return.

Using 'decidedly' to emphasize the state.

Despite feeling under the weather, she managed to complete the marathon.

She finished the race even though she was sick.

'Despite' followed by a gerund 'feeling'.

He claimed to be under the weather, but I suspect he just wanted a day off.

He said he was sick, but maybe he lied.

Infinitive phrase 'to be under the weather'.

The entire office seems to be under the weather this week; it must be a virus.

Everyone at work is sick.

Using 'seems to be' to express an observation.

I'm a little under the weather, but it's nothing a good night's sleep won't fix.

I'm slightly sick, but sleep will help.

Relative clause 'that sleep won't fix'.

She’s been looking a bit under the weather lately; perhaps she’s overworked.

She looks sick; maybe she works too much.

Using 'perhaps' to speculate.

The rainy weather always makes me feel somewhat under the weather.

Rain makes me feel a bit sick.

Causative 'makes me feel'.

I'd love to come, but I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.

I want to go, but I feel sick.

Polite refusal using 'I'd love to... but...'

The company's morale has been somewhat under the weather since the layoffs.

The staff feels bad/unmotivated.

Metaphorical use of the idiom for 'morale'.

She dismissed her symptoms as merely being under the weather, which was a mistake.

She thought she was just a bit sick, but it was serious.

Using 'merely' to minimize the condition.

I'm feeling a trifle under the weather, so I shall retire early this evening.

I feel a bit sick, so I will go to bed.

'A trifle' is a very formal qualifier.

The economy is feeling a bit under the weather due to the recent inflation spike.

The economy is struggling.

Metaphorical use for 'economy'.

He's been under the weather for a fortnight, so he's quite behind on his research.

He has been sick for two weeks.

'Fortnight' is a British term for two weeks.

If you are feeling under the weather, it is imperative that you rest and hydrate.

If you are sick, you must rest.

Subjunctive-like structure 'it is imperative that...'

The play was a bit under the weather tonight; the actors seemed tired.

The performance wasn't very good/energetic.

Metaphorical use for a 'performance'.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather, but I'm sure I'll be right as rain by tomorrow.

I'm sick now, but I'll be perfectly fine tomorrow.

Contrast between two health idioms.

Her performance was uncharacteristically lackluster, as if she were under the weather.

She didn't perform well, appearing sick.

Subjunctive 'as if she were'.

The diplomatic relations between the two nations are currently under the weather.

Relations are not good/strained.

Highly metaphorical use for 'diplomacy'.

He made a valiant effort to attend, notwithstanding his being under the weather.

He tried to go even though he was sick.

'Notwithstanding' used as a preposition.

The stock market has been feeling under the weather, reflecting the global uncertainty.

The market is performing poorly.

Metaphorical use for 'market sentiment'.

One might say the old house is looking a bit under the weather after years of neglect.

The house looks run-down/in bad condition.

Personification of a house.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather; perhaps a period of convalescence is in order.

I feel sick; I need time to recover.

Highly formal vocabulary ('convalescence').

The project’s progress is under the weather, hampered by a lack of clear leadership.

The project is not going well.

Metaphorical use for 'progress'.

To describe his condition as merely 'under the weather' would be a gross understatement.

He is much sicker than the idiom suggests.

Metalinguistic comment on the idiom itself.

Synonyms

unwell poorly out of sorts indisposed sickly ailing

Antonyms

healthy well fit as a fiddle

Common Collocations

feel under the weather

a bit under the weather

slightly under the weather

look under the weather

quite under the weather

somewhat under the weather

rather under the weather

still under the weather

decidedly under the weather

trifle under the weather

Common Phrases

Feeling a bit under the weather

— Feeling slightly sick.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.

Look a little under the weather

— To appear sick to someone else.

You look a little under the weather.

Bit under the weather

— A shortened version of the phrase.

I'm just a bit under the weather.

Still under the weather

— Continuing to feel sick.

I'm still under the weather, unfortunately.

Rather under the weather

— Feeling quite sick (more formal).

He's rather under the weather today.

Somewhat under the weather

— Slightly unwell.

She's somewhat under the weather.

Decidedly under the weather

— Definitely feeling sick.

I feel decidedly under the weather.

Wake up under the weather

— To feel sick immediately after waking.

I woke up under the weather this morning.

Go home under the weather

— To leave a place because you feel sick.

He went home under the weather.

Work while under the weather

— To continue working despite being sick.

It's hard to work while under the weather.

Often Confused With

under the weather vs weathering the storm

This means surviving a difficult period, not being sick.

under the weather vs under the table

This means doing something secretly or being very drunk.

under the weather vs under the thumb

This means being controlled by someone else.

Idioms & Expressions

"right as rain"

— To feel completely healthy again.

I was sick, but now I'm right as rain.

Informal

"fit as a fiddle"

— To be in very good physical health.

My grandfather is 90 and fit as a fiddle.

Informal

"at death's door"

— To be extremely sick (often exaggerated).

He has a cold, but he acts like he's at death's door.

Informal/Sarcastic

"on the mend"

— To be recovering from an illness.

She's been sick, but she's on the mend now.

Neutral

"green around the gills"

— To look nauseated or sick.

The boat ride made him look green around the gills.

Informal

"sick as a dog"

— To be very sick.

I was sick as a dog after eating that seafood.

Informal

"come down with something"

— To start getting sick.

I think I'm coming down with something.

Neutral

"back on one's feet"

— To be healthy and active again after an illness.

I'm glad to be back on my feet.

Neutral

"cast-iron stomach"

— To be able to eat anything without getting sick.

He has a cast-iron stomach.

Informal

"picture of health"

— Someone who looks very healthy.

She is the picture of health.

Neutral

Easily Confused

under the weather vs whether

Sounds exactly like 'weather'.

'Whether' is a conjunction used for choices; 'weather' refers to the atmosphere.

I don't know whether the weather will be good.

under the weather vs sick

Same general meaning.

'Sick' is more direct and can be more serious; 'under the weather' is an idiom for minor illness.

I am sick (direct) vs. I'm under the weather (idiomatic).

under the weather vs ill

Same general meaning.

'Ill' is more formal and often used in British English for more serious conditions.

He is critically ill.

under the weather vs unwell

Same general meaning.

'Unwell' is a formal, non-idiomatic adjective.

She felt unwell after the meal.

under the weather vs nauseous

A specific type of feeling sick.

'Under the weather' is general; 'nauseous' is specifically about wanting to vomit.

The boat ride made me nauseous.

Sentence Patterns

I am under the weather.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather.

He has been under the weather lately.

Despite feeling under the weather, I went to work.

I'm feeling a trifle under the weather.

To say I'm under the weather is an understatement.

If you're under the weather, stay home.

You look under the weather.

Word Family

weather

sick

unwell

ill

malaise

How to Use It

frequency

Very High in spoken English

Common Mistakes

I am below the weather. → I am under the weather.
The idiom specifically uses the word 'under'.
I feel under weather. → I feel under the weather.
You must include the article 'the'.
He is under the weather because he broke his leg. → He is injured.
The idiom is only for illnesses, not physical injuries.
I have an under the weather. → I am under the weather.
It is an adjective phrase, not a noun.
The weather is under me. → I am under the weather.
You cannot change the word order of a fixed idiom.

Tips

Keep it Vague

Use this idiom when you don't want to tell people exactly what is wrong with you. It's the perfect polite excuse.

Use Linking Verbs

Always use it with verbs like 'be', 'feel', 'look', or 'seem'. It describes a state, not an action.

Professionalism

This is a great phrase for 'calling in sick' to work. It sounds professional and doesn't share too much personal info.

Add Qualifiers

Native speakers almost always say 'a bit' or 'a little' under the weather. It makes the phrase sound more natural.

Listen for 'Bit'

When listening to native speakers, the word 'bit' is often blended with 'under' (e.g., 'bitunder').

Universality

You can use this idiom anywhere in the English-speaking world and everyone will understand you perfectly.

Synonym Choice

If you want to sound more formal, use 'unwell'. If you want to sound more casual, use 'under the weather'.

Email Subject Lines

A common subject line for a sick day email is: 'Feeling a bit under the weather today'.

The 'TH' Sound

Make sure to pronounce the 'th' in 'the' and 'weather' clearly to be understood.

First Idiom

This is often the first idiom students learn because it is so common and easy to use correctly.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a person holding an umbrella 'under' a cloud of 'weather' because they feel sick.

Visual Association

Imagine a sailor going down the stairs into the ship to hide from a storm.

Word Web

sick tired cold flu unwell malaise headache fatigue

Challenge

Try to use 'under the weather' in a text message to a friend today to explain why you are tired.

Word Origin

The phrase has maritime origins from the days of sailing ships. When a sailor was feeling seasick due to rough weather, he would go below deck, which was literally 'under' the weather (the wind and waves) happening outside. This area was more stable and protected. Over time, the phrase moved from the sea to the land and began to mean feeling sick in general, regardless of the actual weather conditions.

Original meaning: To be below the deck of a ship to avoid the effects of bad weather and seasickness.

English (Germanic roots)

Cultural Context

Safe for all audiences. Not offensive.

Universally used in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Used in many classic English novels to describe character malaise. Frequently appears in medical sitcoms like 'Scrubs' or 'Grey's Anatomy'. Commonly used in weather reports as a pun.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Work/Office

I'm calling in sick.
I'm under the weather.
I'll be working from home.
I need a sick day.

Social Events

I can't make it tonight.
I'm feeling a bit off.
I'm under the weather.
Maybe next time.

Doctor's Office

I've been feeling unwell.
I'm under the weather.
My symptoms are mild.
I need a check-up.

School/University

I missed class.
I was under the weather.
Can I get the notes?
I have a medical note.

Family/Home

I'm going to lie down.
I'm under the weather.
Can you make some tea?
I need some rest.

Conversation Starters

"You look a bit under the weather today, is everything okay?"

"I was feeling under the weather last weekend, so I missed the game."

"Does the cold weather ever make you feel under the weather?"

"What do you usually do when you feel a bit under the weather?"

"I hope nobody in your family is under the weather right now."

Journal Prompts

Write about a time you felt under the weather and how you spent your day recovering.

How do you usually tell your boss or teacher that you are feeling under the weather?

Describe the best soup or food to eat when you are feeling under the weather.

Do you prefer to be alone or have company when you are under the weather?

Write a short story about a character who pretends to be under the weather to avoid a secret.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is usually used for illnesses like a cold or flu, not for physical injuries like a broken bone. For a broken arm, you would just say 'I broke my arm'.

It is neutral to informal. It is very common in professional emails to explain a minor absence, so it is safe for work.

It comes from the sea! Sailors who were seasick would go below deck, which was 'under' the bad weather and waves.

Yes, 'the' is a required part of the idiom. You cannot say 'under weather'.

It's better to say 'quite' or 'really' under the weather. 'Very' is less common with this specific idiom.

Yes, it is extremely common in both American and British English.

Sometimes people use it to mean they feel a bit depressed or low on energy, but the primary meaning is physical illness.

Common opposites are 'right as rain' or 'fit as a fiddle'.

It is three separate words: under, the, and weather.

No, you just say 'I am under the weather'. You don't need to name the illness.