Idiom · B1 · Neutral · Health and body
under the weather
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Meaning
Feeling a little ill or tired, but not seriously ill.
Examples
- I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’m staying home.
- Lena was under the weather all week, but she did not need a doctor.
- He looked a little under the weather after the long flight.
How to use it
Use it for small problems such as a cold or a tired body. It sounds gentle, so people often use it to explain a day off work.
Common mistake
Not: He is under the weather because he broke his leg.
Say: He is in a lot of pain because he broke his leg. (Use this idiom only for mild problems.)
Last updated 18 October 2026