Example: I'd love to help you move all your furniture next weekend, but I expect to be feeling a bit under the weather.
Origin: Passengers aboard ships become seasick most frequently during times of rough seas and bad weather. Seasickness is caused by the constant rocking motion of the ship. Sick passengers go below deck, which provides shelter from the weather, but just as importantly the sway is not as great below deck, low on the ship.
On a ship the greatest swaying action is on deck, and the most stable point is down near the keel. Hence seasick passengers tend to feel better below deck.
Some illnesses like rheumatism and arthritis act during time of poor weather. Sufferers from those ailments are literally under the influence of the weather
Meaning: Control of a situation or has the final say over a situation
Example: If you are wondering who has the upper hand in your relationship, the next time you get up to fetch drinks, take a look on the sofa. There you will find that person. We often say that someone in control has “the upper hand”.
Origin: This phrase originated with the advent of sandlot baseball. In order to determine which team would bat first, one player would grasp the baseball bat at the lower end. The players take turns gripping the bat one fist over the other until there was no more room The last one to fully grip the bat handle has first choice, and he has the upper hand. Many variations of this have been developed by kids on the sandlot but in all the person to grip the bat handle wins.
Example: I have watched you flounder about for long enough, I will take you under my wing, teach you the trade, and make you the best honey dipper in the business.
Origin: Comes directly from observed animal behavior - birds obviously. Mother birds sometimes shelter chicks under their wings. This protecting and nurturing act of birds reasonably mirrors the mentor-protege relationship.
