Skip to main content

Difference between Below the weather and Under the weather

below the weather(Aviation) said of weather conditions at ground level:

  • The pilot had flown the aircraft down in an attempt to remain below the weather.

Cf.: above the weather(also: over the weather) above the range of weather conditions at ground level:

  • As our engines were designed to operate at low level there was no possibility of flying above the weather.

under the weather1. (coll.) feeling sad or not quite well:

  • Brandeis, who was under the weather, was happier to be entertained than to entertain.

2. (sl., euph.) alcohol intoxicated; suffering from a hangover:

  • Well, I see Daddy’s under the weather again.