Building a strong vocabulary, especially with idiomatic expressions, is essential to achieving a high band score. Among those idioms, “under the weather” is both easy to use and frequently encountered in daily conversations.
1. What Does “Under the Weather” Mean?
“Under the weather” is an English idiom used to describe feeling slightly unwell or not in your usual good health. In Vietnamese, it roughly translates to “feeling a bit off” or “not feeling well.”
This idiom is believed to have originated from British maritime language in the 18th or 19th century. When sailors felt seasick or unwell, they were sent below deck to recover—literally being placed under the weather bow to avoid harsh conditions. Over time, this phrase evolved into the idiom we use today.
Examples
I think I’ll stay home today. I’m feeling a bit under the weather.
She said she was under the weather and couldn't make it to the meeting.
2. Common Structures for Using “Under the Weather”
When using this idiom, it is important to understand its metaphorical meaning. It is suited for informal and conversational English, and should be avoided in formal or academic writing.
Common sentence structures
S + be + under the weather + (for/since) + time
She has been under the weather since last week
He's been under the weather for a few days
S + look/seem + under the weather
You look under the weather. Should you go home and rest?
My colleague seemed under the weather during the meeting
S + feel + under the weather
He feels under the weather after the long flight
I'm feeling a bit under the weather this morning
Note: Avoid using strong modifiers like “very” or “extremely” with this idiom. Instead, use “a bit,” “slightly,” “a little,” or “somewhat” for a more natural tone.
3. Contexts Where “Under the Weather” is Appropriate
Context | Ví dụ |
|---|---|
To politely say you are not feeling well | I can't join you for dinner tonight. I'm feeling under the weather. |
When the condition is mild and not serious | I'm just a little under the weather, nothing serious. |
At work or school to explain poor performance | I apologize for my poor performance yesterday. I was feeling under the weather. |
To politely decline an invitation | Thanks for the invitation, but I'm a bit under the weather at the moment. |
4. Difference Between “Under the Weather” and “Sick”
Although both the idioms “Under the weather” and “Sick” describe a state of poor health, they have distinct elements in terms of formality, context of use, and nuances of meaning.
Criteria | Under the Weather | Sick |
|---|---|---|
Context | Mild discomfort, informal tone | Specific illness, can be used in both informal and formal settings |
Example | I'm feeling under the weather today, so I'll be working from home | I've been sick with a high fever and cough for three days |
5. Synonyms and Related Idioms
In English, there are many idioms and phrases related to health, weather, and emotions. Enriching your vocabulary with these idioms will not only help you diversify your expressions, but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the English language and culture. Here are some idioms and phrases related to "under the weather" that you should not miss:
Idiom | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Out of sorts | Feeling unwell or irritable | She's been out of sorts all week after working overtime |
Run down | Feeling weak or exhausted | I'm feeling a bit run down after working so much |
Ailing | In poor health | She spent months taking care of her ailing grandmother |
Off-colour | Looking pale or feeling unwell | You look a bit off-colour. Are you feeling okay? |
Come down with something | Starting to feel sick | I think I’m coming down with the flu |
6. Using “Under the Weather” in the IELTS Speaking Test
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Use the idiom in personal and simple contexts when discussing your health or daily life.
Example
Examiner: How are you today?
Candidate: Well, honestly, I’m feeling a little under the weather today. I think I might be coming down with a cold, but I’m trying my best to stay focused.
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Use the idiom to support more abstract answers about public health, mental well-being, or stress in modern society.
Example
Question: What are the main factors affecting people's health in modern society?
Answer: I believe stress is one of the most significant factors affecting health in today’s fast-paced society. Many people find themselves constantly under pressure, which can lead to them frequently feeling under the weather both physically and mentally.
7. Practice Exercise: Under the Weather
Instructions Complete the sentences using either “under the weather” or “sick” where appropriate.
I didn’t go to class today because I was feeling a bit …………………
The baby looks ……………………. We should take her to see a doctor
I’ve been feeling …………………… since yesterday. I think I need some rest
He told me he couldn’t join the meeting because he was …………………
I’m not seriously ill, just a little ………………… after the long trip
My dog has been acting …………………… all day. I’m getting worried
She stayed in bed all weekend because she was …………………
When I’m …………………, I usually drink hot tea and sleep a lot
Answers
under the weather
sick
under the weather
sick
under the weather
sick
sick
under the weather
Express Yourself Better with “Under the Weather”
Through this article, we hope you now fully understand how to use the idiom “under the weather” in context. Applying this expression accurately in the IELTS Speaking test can help demonstrate lexical flexibility and make your responses sound more natural and fluent.
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