← Back to collection
Region: General | Usage example: They suffered cabin fever during the snowstorm.

Cabin fever

Meaning

Restlessness from confinement.

Usage

Used when people feel trapped indoors.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Sailors trapped below deck experienced similar boredom.

Documented in the 1800s as a winter ailment.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.