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

In his opening remarks Friday night, Giuliani coughed and said, “My voice is a little under the weather, so I won’t be able to speak as loudly as I usually do.”

From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2026

Jones, 25, had knocked out Venus Williams in the first round despite feeling under the weather but struggled against Pegula.

From BBC ● Mar. 22, 2026

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

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

It was true that I had a slight cold and felt a little under the weather, but Aimee wasn’t cutting me any slack.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles