Under the Weather – Meaning & Usage Examples

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Let’s explore the saying ‘under the weather’ together, understanding its meaning, origins, and real-life examples.

Meaning of the Idiom

The idiom ‘under the weather’ is used to describe feeling unwell or sick. It implies a temporary state of discomfort or illness, often characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, or physical discomfort. The phrase conveys the idea of being affected by adverse conditions, whether due to illness, fatigue, or other factors, that hinder one’s well-being or ability to function normally.

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of the phrase ‘under the weather’ is uncertain, but it is believed to have nautical origins. Sailors often used the term ‘weather’ to refer to the wind and sea conditions they encountered while at sea. When a sailor was feeling unwell due to rough weather conditions, they would be confined below deck, away from the elements. Hence, the phrase ‘under the weather’ came to be used metaphorically to describe feeling sick or unwell. The idiom gained broader usage in the English language in the 19th century and has since become a common expression to describe temporary illness or discomfort.

10 Idiom Examples in Everyday Situations

1. She didn’t come to work today because she’s feeling under the weather.

2. I won’t be able to make it to the party tonight—I’ve been feeling under the weather all day.

3. He had to skip his morning run because he woke up feeling under the weather.

4. I’m feeling a bit under the weather, so I think I’ll stay home and rest today.

5. She didn’t perform well in the exam because she was feeling under the weather.

6. He didn’t want to go out for dinner because he was feeling under the weather.

7. The team lost the game because several players were feeling under the weather.

8. She’s been feeling under the weather for a few days now, so she decided to see a doctor.

9. He missed his flight because he was feeling under the weather and couldn’t travel.

10. She had to cancel her plans because she was feeling under the weather and didn’t want to risk getting sicker.

5 Quotes Featuring the Idiom

1. “Feeling under the weather is a reminder to slow down, listen to your body, and prioritize self-care.” – Unknown

2. “Even on the days when you’re feeling under the weather, remember that better days are ahead.” – Unknown

3. “When you’re feeling under the weather, don’t hesitate to ask for help and take the time you need to rest and recover.” – Unknown

4. “Feeling under the weather is a gentle reminder that even the strongest among us need to take breaks and recharge.” – Unknown

5. “Being under the weather may slow you down temporarily, but it’s also an opportunity to practice patience and self-compassion.” – Unknown

Idioms Starting From Letter U

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter U. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘U’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the U-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter U.