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

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

It came after he said he felt "absolutely shocking" and was "under the weather" before his quarter-final win over Rob Cross.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2025

The pope has been under the weather for several days.

From New York Times • Feb. 28, 2024

To be honest, the boss was a little pooped; a bit under the weather; unhappy, and baffled too; call it at loose ends.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols