A crossword puzzle often utilizes the phrase “feeling unwell” as a clue for the answer “ILL.” This common usage stems from the idiomatic expression’s widespread familiarity. For example, a crossword might present the clue “Slightly indisposed” with three spaces allocated for the answer. The solver, recognizing the synonym, would then fill in “ILL.”
The prevalence of this clue speaks to the enduring popularity of both crosswords and idiomatic language. Crosswords offer a stimulating mental exercise, challenging solvers to recall vocabulary, decipher wordplay, and engage in lateral thinking. The inclusion of idioms like “feeling unwell” adds another layer of complexity, requiring solvers to recognize figurative language and its equivalent meaning. This particular idiom likely has nautical origins, possibly referring to sailors feeling queasy from rough seas. Its continued use in crosswords helps keep these colorful expressions in circulation.
