PhrasesHub

Under the weather

    Definitions

      • Feeling unwell or sick
        To describe someone who is experiencing physical or mental discomfort or illness. Can also be used to convey a general sense of feeling low or not at one's best.

      • To be in a state of low energy or mood
        To express that someone is feeling tired, drained, or generally not their usual self. Can also be used to describe a lack of motivation or enthusiasm.

      • To be affected by outside factors
        To indicate that someone is feeling the effects of external influences, such as bad weather or a difficult situation, which is causing them to feel unwell or not at their best.

    Examples of Under the weather

    • John has been under the weather lately. He's been coughing and feeling run down.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who is not feeling well physically. It's a way of saying that someone is sick or unwell, but it's a more colorful and descriptive way of putting it. The phrase "under the weather" suggests that the person is feeling low or down, perhaps because of the illness. It's a common expression used in everyday conversation.


    Conclusion

    Overall, the phrase "under the weather" is commonly used to describe a state of physical or mental discomfort, as well as a general feeling of low energy or mood. It can also be used to convey the effects of external factors on one's well-being.

    Origin of "Under the weather"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from the seafaring community in the 19th century. Sailors would often become seasick or feel unwell when the weather was rough or stormy, leading to the phrase "under the weather" being used to describe their state.

    Another theory suggests that the phrase may have originated from the practice of hanging a hammock below deck during bad weather. This area was often damp and uncomfortable, leading to the phrase "under the weather" being used to describe the sailors who were forced to sleep there.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase has become a common idiom in English, used to describe a variety of physical and emotional states. Its nautical roots may have faded, but the phrase continues to be widely used in everyday language.