Are you “feeling under the weather?” This phrase describes you feeling sick. You might have a cold or the flu, and you just don’t feel right. The idiom could also mean that you’re feeling emotionally unstable or depressed – just not your right self. You could also use the phrase to describe how you feel with a hangover.
This idiom is still in use today in modern language, and the chances are you hear it from time to time. This post unpacks everything you need to know about this idiom, its origin, and how to use it in a sentence.
Feeling Under the Weather Meaning
The meaning of “feeling under the weather” refers to illness, sickness, or not feeling in a sound state of mind.
This phrase is adaptable and suitable for use in formal and informal settings. You could say it to your boss or your partner, and it will have the same effect.
Feeling Under the Weather Example Usage
Here are a few examples of ways to use this idiom correctly in a sentence.
- Hi Julia, I’m feeling under the weather. I think I have the flu and I’m not coming to work today.
- I went out drinking with friends last night, and I’m feeling under the weather today.
- I’m feeling under the weather after losing my girlfriend.
- I’m feeling under the weather, so I’m going to skip going to the movies with my friends.
- We had a big lunch earlier, and I feel under the weather after eating too much.
Feeling Under the Weather Origin
“Feeling under the weather” has its origins in maritime days when sailors would go below deck if they felt ill, resting to recover from the flu or a hangover. Some sailors would use the term to describe seasickness.
Going below deck would protect them from the elements, preventing them from worsening their condition. The original term was “under the weather bow.” The weather bow is the part of the ship where all the bad weather blows.
Phrases Similar to Feeling Under the Weather
Some of the similar phrases and idioms to “feeling under the weather” include the following.
- I feel like death rolled over.
- I feel out of sorts.
- I feel like I got hit by a ton of bricks.
- I feel like I got hit by a truck.
- I feel like the wind got taken out of my sails.
Phrases Opposite to Feeling Under the Weather
Feeling under the weather relates to feeling ill or in a poor mental state. Therefore the opposite of the idiom would be the following.
- I’m feeling as strong as a bull.
- I’m feeling like a million bucks.
- I’m feeling on top of the world.
What is the Correct Saying?
The correct usage of the idiom would include the following methodologies.
- Under the weather
- Feeling under the weather.
- Feel under the weather.
Ways People May Say Feeling Under the Weather Incorrectly
“Feeling under the weather” has nothing to do with describing the weather. It means you’re not feeling in the right state of mind, or your body feels ill, and you aren’t your normal self.
Some people may use the phrase incorrectly. They may refer to non-human objects with the idiom, and a few examples of incorrect use of the expression would be the following.
The stadium is feeling under the weather today.
The train wasn’t running today because of the huge snowdrift last night; it’s feeling under the weather.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Feeling Under the Weather
You can phrase the idiom with or without the use of “feeling” in the sentence. For example.
- John is under the weather and needs to go home.