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under the weather

/ˈʌndər ðə ˈwɛðər/
idiom★Intermediate
informal

Feeling unwell or slightly ill, but not seriously sick

I can't go to work today—I'm feeling under the weather.

She stayed home because she was under the weather.

💡

This idiom is commonly used to describe mild illness or fatigue without specifying the exact condition.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

feeling offphrase
Not feeling well or experiencing mild discomfort
out of sortsphrase
Feeling slightly unwell or irritable

💡Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use 'under the weather' when describing mild illness or fatigue in casual conversation. Avoid using it in formal or medical settings.

📖Word Origin

The exact origin is unclear, but it likely comes from the idea that weather affects how people feel, especially in the 19th century when weather was thought to influence health.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is informal and commonly used in everyday conversation. It is not typically used in formal or medical contexts.

Word Breakdown

under
In a state of
preposition
+
the weather
The atmospheric conditions (used metaphorically to describe health)
noun phrase
✎ Noted on May 31, 2026EN → EN

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