If you’re not feeling well, physically or emotionally, then you can say that you feel under the weather. We use this expression when we want to imply that our health is slightly below its normal state.
If you’re feeling under the weather, it could mean that you're on the verge of getting sick with a cold or the flu. Alternatively, you can also use this expression to refer to your emotional state. For example, if you’re feeling sad and your mood is having a negative effect on your behavior, then you can say that you’re feeling under the weather. In this context, it means that you're not feeling like your usual self.
This expression is appropriate for both business and personal settings. In terms of structure, people can be under the weather or they can feel under the weather. Both verbs are acceptable. For example:
- Marina’s not going to come to our team dinner tonight. She's feeling a bit under the weather so she decided to go home and get some sleep.
- I think I’m catching a cold. I’ve been feeling under the weather all day today.
A. Is everything OK with you? You seem a little under the weather these days, so I just wanted to let you know I'm here if you want to talk.
B. Yeah, honestly I think I’m just really exhausted from work. I need to take some time to rest and relax.
Did you know? This phrase has its origins in sea travel. When sailors were feeling seasick, they would be sent below deck to recover and escape the harsh weather. By staying inside below deck, they would be, quite literally, under the weather.