English idiom

under the weather

Register · Informal CEFR B1

Post

Figurative meaning

Feeling slightly ill or unwell.

Why this phrase?

Once used of sailors made sick by rough conditions at sea.

Example

“I'm staying home today because I'm a bit under the weather.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

alive and kicking

still healthy, active, or functioning despite age or difficulty

on cloud nine

Extremely happy and delighted.

out and about

away from home and actively going to places or doing ordinary activities

rain cats and dogs

to rain very heavily

take it easy

to relax and avoid strain

at death's door

so seriously ill or injured that death seems close

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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