be taken ill: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "be taken ill" is a common phrase used in English to describe when someone falls ill or becomes sick. Its origins can be traced back to Old English, where the word "ill" meant "evil" or "wicked." However, over time, the meaning of "ill" evolved to refer to physical ailments or sickness. Today, the idiom "be taken ill" is used to express the sudden or unexpected onset of illness or sickness.

When someone is said to be "taken ill," it implies that the illness has caught them by surprise or has happened suddenly. This idiom suggests a lack of control over the illness, highlighting that the person did not willingly or intentionally become sick. Instead, the illness is depicted as something that has been imposed upon them.

The idiom "be taken ill" is typically used passively, with the person who falls ill as the subject of the sentence. For example, one might say, "She was taken ill during the trip and had to return home early." This construction emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the illness, underscoring the loss of agency or control experienced by the person.

Furthermore, the use of the word "taken" in this idiom indicates a certain level of passivity or helplessness on the part of the individual who falls ill. It suggests that the person has become a victim of the illness, being "taken" by it against their will. This sense of being overtaken or seized by illness adds to the overall meaning of the idiom.

While the idiom "be taken ill" does not provide specific information about the nature or severity of the illness, it is still a widely understood expression. It simply conveys the general idea of becoming sick. Whether the illness is minor or serious, temporary or long-lasting, the idiom can be used to describe a range of illnesses and health conditions.

In addition to the idiom "be taken ill," there are several related idioms that can shed further light on the concept of illness and health.

One such idiom is "take ill," which describes the act of becoming sick. While "be taken ill" focuses on the passive experience of falling ill, "take ill" implies a more active role where the individual becomes sick. For example, one might say, "He took ill after eating the contaminated food." This idiom removes the sense of being overtaken and emphasizes the individual's direct involvement in the process of falling ill.

Another related idiom is "ill health," which refers to a state of poor health or unwellness. This idiom highlights the broad nature of the term "ill" and encompasses a range of physical and mental health issues. For instance, one might say, "She has been struggling with ill health for the past few months."

Yet another related idiom is "be at the plague," which describes someone being afflicted by a serious or contagious illness. This idiom harkens back to historical times when plagues and epidemics were rampant. It conveys the severity and dire consequences of falling ill, suggesting a state of widespread suffering and distress.

A similar idiom is "at death's door," which signifies that someone is extremely ill and near death. This expression paints a vivid picture of the person's fragile and tenuous state of health. For example, one might say, "After battling with illness for years, he is now at death's door."

Lastly, the idiom "be in for" can also relate to the concept of falling ill. While it can have various meanings, one interpretation is that it refers to the expectation or likelihood of experiencing a particular situation or event. In the context of illness, one might say, "With the change in weather, we are in for a season of colds and flu." This idiom suggests that the person is anticipating or bracing themselves for the occurrence of illness.

The idiom "be taken ill" captures the universal experience of falling ill and the inherent vulnerability of human health. Its origins in Old English demonstrate the evolution of the word "ill" from meaning "evil" to representing physical ailments. Describing the sudden or unexpected onset of illness, this idiom conveys a sense of lack of control and agency. While it does not provide specific details about the illness, it paints a picture of someone being overtaken and victimized by sickness. Along with related idioms such as "take ill," "ill health," "be at the plague," "at death's door," and "be in for," the idiom "be taken ill" contributes to our understanding of the complexities and challenges of human health.