Doctor Appointment phrases and words in English
Health gives English some of its most useful everyday idioms — say you're "under the weather," tell a friend they're "on the mend," call a holiday "just what the doctor ordered," or warn that bad news is "a bitter pill to swallow."
13 phrases · meanings & example sentences
“Under the weather”
A gentle, polite way to say you feel ill — usually mildly, not seriously. It's thought to come from sailors who went below deck (under the bad weather) when seasick. Perfect for calling in sick or explaining why you're not yourself.
- I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so I'll work from home today.
- She's been under the weather all week — probably the cold going round.
- You look under the weather. Maybe skip the gym and rest tonight.
“Back on your feet”
Recovered and healthy again — or, more widely, recovered from any setback like money trouble or a breakup. The image is of someone who was lying ill in bed now standing up and getting on with life. Warm and encouraging.
- Take all the time you need; we just want you back on your feet.
- A few good nights' sleep and I was back on my feet in no time.
- After the business failed, it took him a year to get back on his feet.
“A clean bill of health”
An official confirmation that someone — or something — is in perfect condition. Originally a certificate given to ships with no disease on board. Used for medical check-ups, but also for cars, buildings or companies that pass an inspection.
- The doctor gave me a clean bill of health after all those tests — such a relief.
- The mechanic checked everything and the car got a clean bill of health.
- The audit gave the charity a clean bill of health.
“Just what the doctor ordered”
Exactly what was needed to make you feel better or happier — said about something pleasant and perfectly timed, rarely actual medicine. The tone is satisfied and a little playful.
- A long weekend by the sea was just what the doctor ordered.
- After that stressful week, this nap is just what the doctor ordered.
- A win like that, in front of the home crowd — just what the doctor ordered.
“A bitter pill to swallow”
An unpleasant fact or outcome that you have to accept even though you really don't want to — like medicine that helps but tastes awful. Used for disappointing news, tough decisions or hard truths.
- Losing in the final minute was a bitter pill to swallow.
- Being passed over for the promotion was a bitter pill, but he stayed professional.
- Admitting she was right all along is a bitter pill to swallow.
“On the mend”
In the process of recovering and getting better — whether from illness, an injury, or a rough patch in life. 'Mend' means to repair, so you're being slowly repaired. Optimistic and reassuring.
- Thanks for asking — Grandma's on the mend after her operation.
- The team's been struggling, but after two wins they're clearly on the mend.
- My knee's still sore, but it's definitely on the mend.
“A taste of your own medicine”
Receiving the same bad treatment that you have been giving to others — so you finally understand how it feels. There's usually a sense of fair, satisfying justice in it. Often said with a wry smile.
- He's always interrupting people, so it was nice to see him get a taste of his own medicine.
- After years of teasing his brother, he got a real taste of his own medicine.
- Make them wait for once — give them a taste of their own medicine.
“Sick as a dog”
Extremely ill, usually with a stomach bug or bad cold. Dogs have long been associated with misery in English idioms, and this one piles on for emphasis. Informal and very common when you want to stress how rough you feel.
- I was sick as a dog all weekend — must have been something I ate.
- Half the office is off; everyone's sick as a dog.
- He played the whole match sick as a dog and still scored.
“Run-down”
Exhausted and in poor health from doing too much and resting too little — your body's batteries have run down like an old clock. A useful, everyday way to describe burnout before it becomes serious illness.
- I've been feeling really run-down lately; I think I need a proper break.
- Working two jobs left her completely run-down.
- Take some vitamins — you look run-down.
“Nurse a grudge”
To keep a feeling of resentment alive on purpose, caring for it like a patient so it never heals. 'Nurse' here means to tend something carefully — the same way you'd 'nurse a drink' or 'nurse an injury.' Reveals how flexible this little word is.
- He's still nursing a grudge over something I said years ago.
- Don't nurse a grudge — just talk to her and clear the air.
- She nursed her sore wrist for weeks before finally seeing a doctor.
“Running a temperature”
Having a fever — your body temperature is higher than normal. 'Run' here means your body is operating at a level, the way an engine 'runs hot.' The standard, natural phrase a doctor or parent would use.
- Keep him home from school — he's running a temperature.
- I felt fine this morning, but now I think I'm running a temperature.
- She was running a temperature all night and finally called the doctor.
“Prevention is better than cure”
It's wiser to stop a problem before it starts than to fix it afterwards. Born in medicine but used everywhere — money, relationships, maintenance, security. A neat proverb that makes you sound thoughtful.
- Back up your files every week — prevention is better than cure.
- We added safety checks early because prevention is better than cure.
- A quick chat now saves a big argument later. Prevention is better than cure.
“In safe hands”
Being looked after by someone trustworthy and capable, so you've nothing to worry about. The 'hands' are a doctor's, but the phrase works for any expert — a babysitter, a lawyer, a goalkeeper. Calm and reassuring.
- Relax — with that surgeon, you're in safe hands.
- Leave the kids with my mum; they're in safe hands.
- The project's in safe hands now that she's leading it.
