What does the idiom "under the weather" mean?

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase under the weather, 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 under the weather used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "under the weather"

Meaning

The idiom “under the weather” is a common phrase used to express that one is feeling ill or unwell. This phrase is often used to describe general feelings of being sick, but it may also indicate something more specific such as a cold, the flu, or a mild case of food poisoning. It can also be used to express feeling emotionally down or depressed.

Etymology

The phrase “under the weather” originates from the nautical concept of a person being “taken under” when their ship goes through a storm. This phrase dates back to the mid-1800s and was used to express that when a person was “taken under” their normal duties were suspended because of their physical condition.

Usage

The phrase “under the weather” is used in casual conversation to express that one is feeling ill or unwell. It is often used in conversations between friends or family as a way to express sympathy or concern for the person who is feeling unwell. It can also be used to lighten the mood in a conversation by downplaying being unwell.

Example Sentences

  • I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I'm not sure if I'll make it to the party.

  • My friend has been under the weather for the past few days and I'm worried about her.

  • I'm sorry I'm late, I've been under the weather lately.

  • I hope you're feeling better soon, I hate it when I'm under the weather.

The meanings of the words in the "under the weather" idiom

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.

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