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Idiom

under the weather

idiom (adjectival phrase) B2
UK /ˈʌndə ðə ˈwɛðə/
US /ˈʌndɚ ðə ˈwɛðɚ/

Meanings

idiom (adjectival phrase)

Feeling mildly ill or unwell.

Visual cue for under the weather — meaning 1

Definition

If you are under the weather, you feel slightly ill or not at your best.

Under the weather means feeling sick, weak, or unwell, often with a minor illness like a cold. It is commonly used when symptoms are not very serious but still affect your energy and mood. People often use it to explain why they cannot work, study, or socialize as usual.

Examples

  • I’m feeling under the weather today, so I’m going to rest.
  • She sounded under the weather on the phone and left work early.
  • We canceled dinner because he was under the weather.
  • After the flight, I was a bit under the weather for two days.