Be snowed under – with too much work to deal with
We have been snowed under the whole week.
Under construction – a building, structure, or project that is unfinished and is being worked on
The building is still under construction so the offices will be ready next year.
Under consideration – being thought about
One of the ideas under consideration is reconstructing the building.
Under negotiation – being discussed in a process that may lead to change
The contract is still under negotiation.
Be under arrest - in legal custody
Drop the gun, you are under arrest.
Under your nose – in your presence or near to you, it is obvious
He was cheating on me right under my nose.
Under the impression – you believe that something is the case, but it is actually not
I was under the impression that the bill has been paid.
Under the influence – drunk
He was charged with driving under the influence.
Under the knife – undergoing a surgical procedure
She’s just gone under the knife.
Under the weather – to be unwell
I feel under the weather today.
Get under sb’s skin – make someone very annoyed or upset
You should ignore Kevin, otherwise sooner or later he will get under your skin.
Throw under the bus – to discard sth
Marcela’s idea was thrown under the bus.
Below / under par – below the usual, worse than expected
His violin performance was well below par.
Under pressure – be worried because you have to deal with a difficult or complicated situation
I am under a lot of pressure at work.
Come / be under fire – 1) sb starts shooting at you or 2) sb criticizes you
The most secret outpost came under heavy fire.
Politicians were under fire for not supporting the EU Green Deal.
Have / keep sth under control – have the power to make all the important decisions about the way something runs
My boss Rachel has everything under control.
Down under – to or in Australia or New Zealand
How was it down under?
Water under the bridge - something happened and cannot be changed, so there is no point in worrying about it any more
Everything that he did to you is water under the bridge.
Under no circumstances - in no case
Under no circumstances should you sign the contract without reading it first.
Note: When you use this phrase at the beginning, inversion will be applied
Under the circumstances - sth will be allowed to happen because of a special condition
You will be permitted to access the files only under certain circumstances.
Sweep under the rug – ignore unpleasant matters, to hide something unpleasant
By sweeping all the bad actions under the rug, you will not be forgiven.