under the weather

Cultural  

1. Indisposed, unwell: “The day after the big party, Jay had to call in sick, saying he was feeling under the weather.”

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under the weather Idioms  

1. Ailing, ill; also, suffering from a hangover. For example, She said she was under the weather and couldn't make it to the meeting. This expression presumably alludes to the influence of the weather on one's health. [Early 1800s] The same term is sometimes used as a euphemism for being drunk, as in After four drinks, Ellen was a bit under the weather.

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Example Sentences

It was wilting under the weather and the weight of a team from Iowa.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 15, 2025

Being under the weather couldn't keep Morgan from keeping tabs on the team and his Knicks-branded phone case was visible in the photo.

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2025

She returned to public duties last week, but is understood to still be under the weather after a busy week of engagements.

From BBC • Nov. 22, 2024

The pope has been under the weather for several days.

From New York Times • Feb. 28, 2024

“I was feeling under the weather today, so I came back home to do some cleaning,” said Mom.

From "George" by Alex Gino