THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Under the weather
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Feeling sick or unwell.
Usage note: keep in mind
Under the weather means feeling unwell and is common in informal conversation. It can be a gentle way to explain why you are resting. It does not identify a particular illness or how serious it is. Use feel or be before the phrase.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I didn’t go to work today because I was feeling under the weather.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the two questions without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 2 checked correctly
Review the meaning
Feeling sick or unwell.
2. Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I didn’t go to work today because I was feeling ________.
Show the answer
Under the weather — Feeling sick or unwell.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Under the weather” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Feeling sick or unwell.
Compare: I didn’t go to work today because I was feeling under the weather.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- I'm feeling under the weather, so I'll join the meeting another day.
- Ravi was under the weather yesterday but felt better this morning.
Check your understanding
Complete the sentence: 'Leena is feeling ___, so she is resting at home.' Does the phrase name a diagnosis?
Check your answer
Under the weather. No diagnosis is given: the phrase only says that Leena feels unwell.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where under the weather fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.