# under the weather

idiom · CEFR A2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/under-the-weather
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

ill or gloomy, especially from a cold or flu.

## Examples

- I'm feeling a bit under the weather today.
- She stayed home from work because she was under the weather.
- Having felt under the weather all week, he finally saw a doctor, who said the flu was going around the office.

## Origin

Believed to be nautical: seasick or ill sailors were sent below deck, away from the weather; some sources cite the fuller phrase 'under the weather bow'. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.