English Idiom Meanings Under the Weather Definition and Exercises for Students

Under the Weather Definition, Meaning, and Examples

The phrase “under the weather” is used to describe a person who is feeling unwell or experiencing a slight illness. It suggests that the person is not in their best physical condition and may be experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, malaise, or a mild sickness.

  • To feel unwell or slightly ill.
  • I won’t be able to attend the party tonight. I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
  • John: Are you okay? You seem tired.
  • Amy: Yeah, I’m just a little under the weather today.

Synonyms

Feeling off, not at one’s best, slightly sick, a bit under par, out of sorts.

feeling under the weather idiom with image of woman unwell

Use of Feeling a Bit Under the Weather

“Feeling a bit under the weather” is an alternative way of expressing the idiom “under the weather.” It emphasizes that the person is experiencing a mild level of illness or discomfort.

Origin of Under the Weather

The exact origin of the phrase “under the weather” is uncertain. It is believed to have nautical roots, where sailors used the phrase to describe the feeling of seasickness or being adversely affected by bad weather conditions while at sea. Over time, the expression extended to refer to general feelings of illness or being unwell.

Why Do People Say “Under the Weather”?

Generally, the phrase ‘under the weather’ is used as a polite term that is meant to imply that a person is not at their best or peak of fitness. If someone is sick or unwell it can be severe whereas ‘feeling under the weather’ is associated with a milder condition.
 

Under the Weather or Feeling Off?

Feeling off is a broader term for a person that is not at their peak fitness or ‘on their game’, whilst under the weather is expressed when there is a type of mild sickness. 

Under the Weather Practice Questions Exercise

Exercise 1

  1. What does the phrase “under the weather” mean? a) Feeling sad b) Feeling unwell or sick c) Feeling excited

  2. Which of the following is an example of someone feeling under the weather? a) Jane is happy and energetic. b) Mark has a headache and a runny nose. c) Sarah is enjoying a sunny day at the beach.

  3. True or False: Feeling under the weather means feeling sad or disappointed.

  4. Complete the sentence: “I can’t go to school today because I’m feeling ____________.” a) Happy b) Under the weather c) Energetic

  5. Choose the synonym of “under the weather”: a) Tired b) Excited c) Hungry

  6. Can you use the phrase “under the weather” to describe feeling unwell? a) Yes b) No

  7. What is the opposite of feeling under the weather? a) Feeling great b) Feeling tired c) Feeling angry

Exercise 2

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

  1. She __________ under the weather and couldn’t come to work yesterday. (feel)
  2. We __________ a bit _________ today, so we decided to stay home. (be / under the weather)
  3. How long have you __________ under the weather? (feel)
  4. They __________ under the weather last week, but they’re feeling better now. (be)

Exercise 3

Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentences.

  1. She has been __________ under the weather for a few days now. (feeling / felt)
  2. How long were you __________ under the weather? (feeling / felt)
  3. I’m afraid I’ll __________ under the weather tomorrow. (feel / be feeling)
  4. They __________ under the weather during their vacation. (felt / were feeling)

Exercise 4

  1. What does the idiom “under the weather” mean?
  2. Give an example sentence using the phrase “under the weather.”
  3. Is feeling under the weather a serious illness?
  4. Can you use “feeling off” as a synonym for “under the weather”?
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