When you’re feeling under the weather, expressing that feeling with warmth and care can be challenging. Sometimes, words like “I’m sick” can feel too blunt, or you may want to communicate your discomfort with a little more emotion. Idioms offer a beautiful way to speak to someone with kindness and empathy, especially when you’re navigating difficult feelings.
This list of 30 idioms for sick will help you articulate your condition in a gentler, more thoughtful manner, while offering alternatives that can better express your experience. Whether you’re letting someone know you’re not feeling well or just want to show compassion, these idioms can bring warmth to your words.
1. Under the Weather
Meaning: Feeling ill or unwell.
In a sentence: “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I think I’ll stay home and rest.”
Best Use: Use this when you’re dealing with a mild illness or temporary discomfort. It’s a more polite way to say you’re sick without going into specifics.
Not Use: Avoid using this if you have a severe or serious illness, as it might minimize your condition.
Other ways to say it: Feeling off, a bit under par.
2. Laid Up
Meaning: Being confined to bed due to illness.
In a sentence: “I was laid up for a few days with a nasty cold, but I’m starting to feel better now.”
Best Use: Use when you’re feeling too ill to do daily tasks and need to rest.
Not Use: Don’t use it for mild discomfort or non-physical symptoms.
Other ways to say it: Bedridden, knocked out.
3. Knocked Out
Meaning: Completely exhausted or incapacitated by illness.
In a sentence: “The flu really knocked me out this week, I couldn’t even get out of bed.”
Best Use: Use this for more serious or overwhelming illnesses that make you feel powerless.
Not Use: Avoid this phrase for something that is more of a minor inconvenience.
Other ways to say it: Flat on your back, bedridden.
4. Out of Commission
Meaning: Temporarily unable to function due to illness.
In a sentence: “I’m out of commission for a few days, so I won’t be able to make it to work.”
Best Use: Use when you’re unable to perform your normal duties due to illness.
Not Use: Avoid using it for temporary tiredness or mild issues.
Other ways to say it: Off-duty, unavailable.
5. Down with
Meaning: Ill with a particular sickness or disease.
In a sentence: “I’m down with a cold, and it’s been hard to shake.”
Best Use: Use this idiom when you know the specific illness you’re dealing with.
Not Use: Don’t use this for general tiredness or fatigue.
Other ways to say it: Suffering from, stricken with.
6. Under the Knife
Meaning: Undergoing surgery or a medical procedure.
In a sentence: “I’ll be under the knife next week for a minor surgery.”
Best Use: Use when discussing upcoming or past surgical procedures.
Not Use: Avoid using it for illnesses that don’t require surgery.
Other ways to say it: Going under the scalpel, having surgery.
7. Feeling Off
Meaning: Not feeling like your usual self.
In a sentence: “I’ve been feeling off lately, like something’s just not right with my health.”
Best Use: Use when you’re not sure what’s wrong but know that something’s wrong.
Not Use: Don’t use it for serious, well-defined illnesses.
Other ways to say it: Not feeling right, not myself.
8. Sick as a Dog
Meaning: Extremely ill, often with a serious or intense sickness.
In a sentence: “I was sick as a dog last weekend with a stomach virus.”
Best Use: Use when you’re really unwell and want to emphasize the severity.
Not Use: Avoid using it for mild or temporary illnesses.
Other ways to say it: Feeling miserable, terribly sick.
9. In Poor Shape
Meaning: Not in good health, either due to illness or exhaustion.
In a sentence: “After a week of non-stop work, I’m in poor shape today.”
Best Use: Use when you’re physically drained or weak due to sickness or overexertion.
Not Use: Don’t use for minor symptoms.
Other ways to say it: In bad shape, out of sorts.
10. A Little Green Around the Gills
Meaning: Looking slightly ill, often with a pale complexion.
In a sentence: “You look a bit green around the gills—are you feeling okay?”
Best Use: Use when someone looks sick or unwell, typically with pale skin or a queasy look.
Not Use: Don’t use for minor tiredness or low energy.
Other ways to say it: Looking pale, under the weather.
11. Catch a Bug
Meaning: To become ill with a virus or infection.
In a sentence: “I think I caught a bug last night from the office.”
Best Use: Use for common illnesses like colds or stomach bugs.
Not Use: Don’t use for chronic or more serious conditions.
Other ways to say it: Picked up a virus, got sick.
12. Down for the Count
Meaning: Temporarily incapacitated due to illness or injury.
In a sentence: “I’m down for the count with this headache, I can’t focus today.”
Best Use: Use when you’re unable to do anything because of illness or exhaustion.
Not Use: Avoid using it for minor discomfort or fatigue.
Other ways to say it: Out of action, laid up.
13. Feeling Queasy
Meaning: Feeling nauseous or slightly ill.
In a sentence: “I’ve been feeling queasy all morning, I think I need to rest.”
Best Use: Use when you’re experiencing nausea or a light form of illness.
Not Use: Don’t use for serious illness or more severe symptoms.
Other ways to say it: Feeling nauseous, a little off.
14. At Death’s Door
Meaning: In a very serious state of illness, often implying near-death.
In a sentence: “He was at death’s door after the surgery but has made an incredible recovery.”
Best Use: Use only for extremely serious or life-threatening illnesses.
Not Use: Don’t use this for mild or temporary illness.
Other ways to say it: On the brink, gravely ill.
15. A Touch of the Flu
Meaning: Having a mild case of the flu or cold.
In a sentence: “I’ve got a touch of the flu, nothing too serious, but I feel awful.”
Best Use: Use for a mild illness that doesn’t significantly impact your daily life.
Not Use: Avoid using for something more serious or chronic.
Other ways to say it: A little under the weather, a slight cold.
16. Feeling Like Death Warmed Over
Meaning: Feeling extremely ill or exhausted.
In a sentence: “I feel like death warmed over after this long night of fever.”
Best Use: Use when you’re feeling absolutely drained and sick.
Not Use: Don’t use for minor symptoms.
Other ways to say it: Feeling miserable, knocked out.
17. Throw in the Towel
Meaning: To give up or admit defeat due to illness or exhaustion.
In a sentence: “After being sick for so long, I finally had to throw in the towel and rest.”
Best Use: Use when you’re physically or mentally exhausted and can’t continue.
Not Use: Don’t use it for temporary tiredness.
Other ways to say it: Surrender, admit defeat.
18. Under the Weather
Meaning: Not feeling well or healthy.
In a sentence: “I think I’m under the weather—I’m going to take the day off to rest.”
Best Use: Use for minor illness like a cold or mild headache.
Not Use: Avoid using it for something severe like the flu or a chronic illness.
Other ways to say it: Feeling off, under the weather.
19. As Sick as a Dog
Meaning: Extremely ill.
In a sentence: “I was as sick as a dog with a fever last week and couldn’t leave my bed.”
Best Use: Use to express severe illness.
Not Use: Avoid using it for minor discomfort.
Other ways to say it: Terribly sick, feeling terrible.
20. Just Not Feeling It
Meaning: Lack of energy or motivation due to illness.
In a sentence: “I’m just not feeling it today—I think I need a nap.”
Best Use: Use when you’re too tired or unwell to do something.
Not Use: Don’t use for minor tiredness or lack of motivation.
Other ways to say it: Not in the mood, not up to it.
21. In Bed All Day
Meaning: To remain in bed because of illness.
In a sentence: “I was in bed all day with a headache and couldn’t do anything.”
Best Use: Use when you are too sick to get out of bed for the day.
Not Use: Don’t use it for just feeling tired or lazy.
Other ways to say it: Bedridden, staying in bed.
22. Under the Weather
Meaning: Mildly unwell.
In a sentence: “I’m feeling a little under the weather today, so I’ll need to rest.”
Best Use: Use for slight illnesses or temporary conditions.
Not Use: Avoid using it for something serious.
Other ways to say it: Off-color, feeling ill.
23. Feeling Like a Shadow
Meaning: Feeling weak or worn out due to illness.
In a sentence: “After the flu, I felt like a shadow of myself, just exhausted and drained.”
Best Use: Use when you’re feeling weak or exhausted from illness.
Not Use: Avoid using this phrase for short-term fatigue.
Other ways to say it: Completely drained, weak.
24. In a Slump
Meaning: Experiencing a period of feeling unwell or down.
In a sentence: “I’m in a bit of a slump after being sick for so long.”
Best Use: Use when you’re physically or emotionally drained after an illness.
Not Use: Don’t use for short-term fatigue.
Other ways to say it: In a funk, in a bad way.
25. Feeling Worn Out
Meaning: Extremely tired from illness or overexertion.
In a sentence: “After all that coughing, I’m completely worn out.”
Best Use: Use when you’re feeling tired after dealing with illness.
Not Use: Don’t use it for general tiredness.
Other ways to say it: Exhausted, spent.
26. Having a Rough Day
Meaning: Experiencing a difficult or painful day due to illness.
In a sentence: “I’m having a rough day with this cold.”
Best Use: Use when the illness is affecting your energy and mood.
Not Use: Avoid using it for minor discomfort.
Other ways to say it: Feeling bad, struggling today.
27. At Half Strength
Meaning: Not operating at full capacity due to illness.
In a sentence: “I’m working at half strength today—still recovering from my cold.”
Best Use: Use when you feel underperforming due to sickness.
Not Use: Don’t use for just feeling a little tired.
Other ways to say it: Operating below par, low energy.
28. Cold and Flu Season
Meaning: The time of year when illnesses like cold and flu are more prevalent.
In a sentence: “It’s cold and flu season, so I’m extra cautious about staying healthy.”
Best Use: Use when talking about seasonal illnesses.
Not Use: Don’t use for non-seasonal illnesses.
Other ways to say it: Flu season, sick season.
29. Out of Sorts
Meaning: Feeling unwell or uncomfortable.
In a sentence: “I’m feeling a bit out of sorts today, not sure what’s wrong.”
Best Use: Use when you’re not feeling well but can’t pinpoint the cause.
Not Use: Avoid using it for chronic illnesses.
Other ways to say it: Feeling off, out of sync.
30. Running a Fever
Meaning: Having an elevated body temperature due to illness.
In a sentence: “I’ve been running a fever all night, and I need to see a doctor.”
Best Use: Use when you have a fever or infection.
Not Use: Don’t use it for just feeling warm or tired.
Other ways to say it: Have a temperature, feverish.
FAQs
Q1: What are some mild idioms for sickness?
A1: Idioms like “feeling off” or “under the weather” are mild and appropriate for minor sickness.
Q2: When should I use the idiom ‘sick as a dog’?
A2: This idiom should be used when you’re feeling extremely ill, not for minor conditions.
Q3: How can I tell someone I’m not feeling well without being too blunt?
A3: You can use idioms like “a little under the weather” or “feeling off” to communicate more gently.
Q4: Can these idioms be used to describe emotional discomfort?
A4: Some idioms can work for emotional discomfort, such as “feeling off” or “in a slump.”
Q5: Are idioms for sickness culturally sensitive?
A5: Yes, but it’s always important to consider the context and how severe your illness is before choosing an idiom.
Conclusion
Expressing yourself when you’re not feeling well doesn’t have to be difficult or cold. With these 30 idioms for sick, you can communicate your condition in a more empathetic way. Whether you’re trying to let someone know you’re unwell or offering support to someone else, these idioms allow you to express your feelings with warmth, care, and consideration.
Remember, language is a powerful tool for connection, and by choosing your words thoughtfully, you can bring more compassion to the conversation.
