Looking up...
feel blue
/fiːl bluː/◆idiom
feel sad
After failing the exam, she felt blue for days.
After failing the exam, she felt sad for days.
informal
to feel sad or depressed
He's been feeling blue since his dog passed away.
He's been feeling sad since his dog passed away.
I always feel blue on rainy Mondays.
I always feel sad on rainy Mondays.
Commonly used in everyday speech to describe temporary sadness or low mood.
Collocations
feel a bit bluefeel slightly sadfeel really bluefeel very sad
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal interpretation
Remember that 'feel blue' does not refer to the color blue itself. It is an idiom meaning to feel sad or depressed.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'feel blue' only in informal contexts. In formal writing, use 'feel sad' or 'feel depressed' instead.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the association of the color blue with sadness or melancholy, possibly linked to the phrase 'blue devils' (referring to hallucinations caused by alcohol withdrawal) in the early 19th century. The exact origin is unclear, but the metaphorical use of colors to describe emotions is common in English.
Usage Notes
Used primarily in informal contexts. Avoid using in formal writing or professional settings unless quoting someone directly.
Word Breakdown
feel
to experience an emotion
verbblue
sadness or depression (metaphorical use)
adjectiveEnglish Dictionary