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 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

Hours later, he’d walk back into that same locker room with a big smile, convinced he usually plays better when he’s under the weather.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2024

I kept an open mind, thinking maybe he really was just under the weather that night but it had opened the floodgates of concerns that had been out there for a while.

From Salon • Jul. 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