English idiom · informal · spoken · BrE & AmE

under the weather: meaning and examples

under the weather means feeling slightly ill or not as well as usual.

Memory hook: Bad weather is used as an image for low energy and poor health.

How to use “under the weather”

Common mistake: This usually describes a minor illness. It is not the best expression for a serious medical condition.

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This expression belongs to Lesson 1, where you can compare it with other idioms about feelings & emotions and practise it interactively.

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