We all feel under the weather sometimes, and talking about feeling sick doesn’t always have to sound boring. There are lots of fun and thoughtful idioms that people use to describe being unwell. In this article, I’ll share 22 idioms for sick that are easy to understand, even for kids, and perfect for adding some warmth and creativity to your words.
From my own experience, when someone feels sick, gentle and caring words can really help. These idioms can make conversations softer, kinder, and even a bit lighter when someone isn’t feeling their best. Let’s learn these together and make our words more thoughtful!
1. Under the weather
Meaning:
Feeling a little sick.
In a sentence:
I’m feeling under the weather today.
Best use:
For mild sickness like a cold.
Other ways to say:
- Not feeling well
- A bit off
2. Feeling off-color
Meaning:
Not feeling like yourself.
In a sentence:
She’s feeling off-color this morning.
Best use:
When you’re just not feeling right.
Other ways to say:
- Feeling strange
- Out of sorts
3. Sick as a dog
Meaning:
Feeling very, very sick.
In a sentence:
I was sick as a dog last night.
Best use:
For strong sickness.
Other ways to say:
- Really unwell
- Very ill
4. Not up to par
Meaning:
Not feeling your best.
In a sentence:
He’s not up to par today.
Best use:
When you’re feeling tired or sick.
Other ways to say:
- Below normal
- A bit down
5. Out of sorts
Meaning:
Feeling slightly unwell or upset.
In a sentence:
She’s out of sorts this afternoon.
Best use:
For small sickness or moodiness.
Other ways to say:
- Feeling off
- A bit grumpy
6. Green around the gills
Meaning:
Looking pale and sick.
In a sentence:
He looked green around the gills.
Best use:
When someone looks unwell.
Other ways to say:
- Pale
- Sick-looking
7. Come down with something
Meaning:
Starting to feel sick.
In a sentence:
I think I’m coming down with something.
Best use:
When you feel a cold starting.
Other ways to say:
- Getting sick
- Feeling it coming on
8. Feeling poorly
Meaning:
Not feeling good.
In a sentence:
She’s feeling poorly today.
Best use:
For general sickness.
Other ways to say:
- Unwell
- Not great
9. Laid up
Meaning:
Stuck in bed because of sickness.
In a sentence:
He’s laid up with the flu.
Best use:
For serious rest time.
Other ways to say:
- Resting
- Stuck in bed
10. Feeling woozy
Meaning:
Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
In a sentence:
I felt woozy after standing up.
Best use:
For dizziness or weakness.
Other ways to say:
- Dizzy
- Lightheaded
11. Catch a bug
Meaning:
Get a small sickness, like a cold.
In a sentence:
I think I caught a bug.
Best use:
For common colds.
Other ways to say:
- Got sick
- Picked something up
12. Run down
Meaning:
Feeling extra tired and weak.
In a sentence:
He’s been feeling run down.
Best use:
After being too busy or stressed.
Other ways to say:
- Worn out
- Exhausted
13. In bad shape
Meaning:
Feeling really unwell.
In a sentence:
She’s in bad shape today.
Best use:
For stronger sickness.
Other ways to say:
- Very sick
- Not doing well
14. Knocked out
Meaning:
Too tired or sick to do anything.
In a sentence:
That fever really knocked me out.
Best use:
When sickness makes you sleep a lot.
Other ways to say:
- Wiped out
- Drained
15. On the mend
Meaning:
Getting better from being sick.
In a sentence:
He’s on the mend now.
Best use:
For healing and recovery.
Other ways to say:
- Feeling better
- Improving
16. Fighting something off
Meaning:
Trying not to get sick.
In a sentence:
I’m fighting off a cold.
Best use:
When you feel sickness starting.
Other ways to say:
- Holding it back
- Staying strong
17. Throwing up
Meaning:
Being sick to your stomach.
In a sentence:
She’s been throwing up all night.
Best use:
When feeling very nauseous.
Other ways to say:
- Vomiting
- Getting sick
18. Feeling feverish
Meaning:
Feeling hot and sweaty.
In a sentence:
I’m feeling feverish today.
Best use:
When you think you might have a fever.
Other ways to say:
- Burning up
- Warm and weak
19. Take it easy
Meaning:
Rest to feel better.
In a sentence:
You should take it easy today.
Best use:
As advice to someone sick.
Other ways to say:
- Rest up
- Slow down
20. Bedridden
Meaning:
Too sick to get out of bed.
In a sentence:
He’s been bedridden for days.
Best use:
For very serious sickness.
Other ways to say:
- Stuck in bed
- Laid up
21. Feeling achy
Meaning:
Hurting all over.
In a sentence:
I’m feeling achy from the flu.
Best use:
For body pain during sickness.
Other ways to say:
- Sore
- Hurting
22. Broken down
Meaning:
Feeling weak and worn out.
In a sentence:
She’s broken down after that cold.
Best use:
For when sickness leaves you tired.
Other ways to say:
- Drained
- Out of energy
Conclusion
These 22 idioms for sick are helpful ways to describe how you feel when you’re not at your best. They make it easier to explain sickness in a simple, caring way, whether you’re talking to friends, family, or writing a thoughtful message. I hope these phrases help you feel more confident sharing your feelings and caring for others when they’re feeling low.
