be off one's food

/biː ˈɒf wˈɒnz fˈuːd/

/biː ˈɔf wˈʌnz fˈuːd/

[phrase]

to be off one's food

[PHRASE]

to lose one's appetite due to being physically or mentally ill

to [be] off {one's} food definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "be off one's food" and when to use it?

"Be off one's food" is a commonly used idiom with no specific origin. It has developed over time as a way to describe a temporary loss of appetite or a decreased interest in eating. It is used to describe a situation where someone is experiencing a reduced desire or inability to eat. It suggests a lack of appetite, which can be due to various factors such as illness, stress, or emotional state.

Examples

1. Max had been feeling down lately, and as a result, he was off his food and had little appetite.

2. Lisa's upset stomach caused her to be off her food, and she struggled to find anything appetizing.

3. Tim was feeling stressed and overwhelmed, which caused him to be off his food and lose interest in eating.

4. So, you should ration off your food, but you shouldn't ration off your water.

Nearby words

be no fool

be meat and drink to

be made for each other