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Be worried sick; be sick with worry

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Emotional Intensity

The phrase implies a deep emotional distress that can affect one's physical health.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
Mom was worried sick with visions of an accident when you didn't come home by midnight.
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Colloquial Usage

It's a common informal expression, not suitable for formal writing, but widely understood in conversation.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
When the news showed the hurricane's damage, I was sick with worry for my friends there.
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Not Literal

Being 'sick with worry' doesn't always mean being physically ill, but describes feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

Illustration for Not Literal
I was worried sick all week about the job interview; I barely slept.
Visual representation of the word "Be worried sick; be sick with worry"

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