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

See Examples For:

under the weather

"I felt so under the weather, so fatigued and in so much pain."

From BBC ● Jul. 18, 2026

I could tell she was feeling a little under the weather that day but she didn’t ask for any special treatment, and kindly and happily took direction.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 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

Shortstop Mookie Betts first started feeling under the weather during the Dodgers’ final week of spring camp, sitting out their final two Cactus League games.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2025

“I’m feeling a little under the weather today—might go lie down for a spell. As you were.”

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull