Extremely anxious or concerned about something to the point where it causes physical symptoms resembling illness. The phrase emphasizes how mental distress can manifest as bodily discomfort.
This expression reflects the long-observed connection between emotional states and physical health, dating back to ancient medical traditions. The phrase became common in English during the 18th and 19th centuries as understanding of psychosomatic symptoms grew.
What's medically fascinating is that this phrase is quite literal - chronic worry actually suppresses the immune system and can cause genuine physical symptoms like nausea, headaches, and fatigue. The phrase captures an ancient wisdom about the mind-body connection that modern medicine has thoroughly validated through research on stress and health.
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