Under the weather

Meaning

Feeling mildly ill, tired, or not quite well enough for normal activity.

Usage

Common in casual and workplace English when someone wants to mention illness without giving details.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Popularly explained by sailors sent below deck in bad weather, but this is unproven.

Recorded from the 19th century.