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Region: General | Usage example: He skipped the meeting because he was under the weather.

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

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

Usually connected to seafaring language: passengers or sailors who felt sick in rough weather were sent below deck, literally under the weather side of the ship.

The phrase appears in 19th-century maritime and informal writing, then broadened into a general expression for feeling unwell.

Related Idioms

Water under the bridge

Past events that are forgiven or no longer important.

Under your belt

Gained experience or completed.

Sweep under the rug

Ignore or conceal problems instead of addressing them.

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.