ill at ease

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase ill at ease, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression ill at ease used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "ill at ease"

Meaning

The idiom ill at ease is used to describe an individual who is anxious and uncomfortable about a particular situation. It can also be used to describe a situation that has become awkward or uncomfortable for everyone present.

Etymology

The phrase ill at ease originates from Old French, in which it was written as mal aise. Aise is derived from the Latin term, adipisci, meaning 'to gain or obtain'. Therefore, the phrase literally means 'bad gain or bad obtain'.

Usage

The idiom ill at ease is often used to describe an individual who is feeling anxious and awkward in a particular situation. It is a feeling that can be linked to shyness, uncertainty, or even fear. It is used in both formal and informal contexts and can be used to describe situations that are either uncomfortable or new to the individual. It can also be used to describe a situation that has become awkward or uncomfortable for everyone present.

Example Sentences

• I felt ill at ease at the party because I didn't know anyone there.
• The whole group was ill at ease after the argument.
• He always looks so ill at ease when he is forced to make small talk with strangers.

Idioms with similar meanings in different languages

"Barking up the wrong tree" is an English idiom that means to pursue a mistaken or misguided course of action. In German, the similar idiom is "Auf dem Holzweg sein," which translates to "To be on the wrong track." This idiom emphasizes the idea that when you are pursuing the wrong course of action, you are not going to achieve your desired outcome.