Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Under the weather

What does it mean?

An idiom meaning you feel a bit ill, tired, or not yourself.

Is it positive or negative?

Negative but mild.

When do you use it?

Use it when you are sick but not seriously ill.

Examples

Example 1: I am a bit under the weather today.

Example 2: She skipped the meeting because she was under the weather.

Question for you

What do you do when you feel under the weather?

Are you looking for English speaking practice online?

Under the weather is a polite, natural way to say you feel ill. We practise these soft, everyday phrases in online English lessons with a British native speaker. For another health? related word, see lurgy. Find out more here.