Tag Archives: illness

Idiom of the day

Back on one’s feet

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe a person who has recovered from an illness, setback, or difficult situation and is now in good health or back to a normal state of functioning. It implies a return to strength, stability, and resilience after facing challenges.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “After weeks of recuperation, she’s finally back on her feet and ready to return to work.”
  2. “Despite the financial setback, he managed to get back on his feet and rebuild his business.”
  3. “With the support of his family and friends, he was able to get back on his feet after the accident.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “back on one’s feet” is literal, referring to the physical act of standing up and walking after being incapacitated or lying down. Over time, the phrase evolved into a metaphorical expression used to describe the process of recovering from adversity or difficulty and regaining one’s strength and independence. It is a common idiom used to convey resilience and perseverance in overcoming challenges.

Idiom of the day

Caught a bug

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who has contracted an illness, typically a mild one such as a cold or flu.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I won’t be able to come to the office today; I think I’ve caught a bug.”
  2. “After spending time with his sick friend, Mark caught a bug and has been feeling unwell for the past few days.”
  3. “She caught a bug while traveling, but thankfully it wasn’t anything serious.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “caught a bug” is unclear, but it likely stems from the idea of being infected by a microscopic organism, such as a virus or bacteria, which is often colloquially referred to as a “bug.” The use of “caught” suggests the sudden onset of illness, as if one has unexpectedly encountered the bug and become infected. This idiom is commonly used in informal conversation to describe instances of minor illness or infection.

Idiom of the day

Under the weather

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Meaning: This idiom is used to describe someone who is feeling unwell or in poor health, typically due to illness or fatigue.

Usage in Example Sentences:

  1. “I won’t be able to make it to the party tonight; I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
  2. “She called in sick to work because she was under the weather and couldn’t shake off her cold.”
  3. “After working long hours all week, Tom felt under the weather and decided to rest at home instead of going out with friends.”

Origin: The origin of the idiom “under the weather” is uncertain, but it likely originated from seafaring terminology. In sailing, “under the weather” referred to the side of the ship that was exposed to wind and rough seas, often causing discomfort or seasickness among sailors. Over time, the phrase evolved to describe a feeling of illness or discomfort, regardless of whether it was related to actual weather conditions. Today, “under the weather” is a widely used idiom to express feeling unwell or out of sorts.