ˈʌndər ə klaʊd
Nature & Weather
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- Beneath a cloud in the sky
What does "under a cloud" mean?
- Under suspicion or in disgrace
- Having one's reputation damaged
Examples
- He left the company under a cloud.
- She's been under a cloud since the scandal.
- The project ended under a cloud of suspicion.
Origin
From dark clouds symbolizing trouble or suspicion. A cloud over someone darkens their reputation.
How to use it
Often refers to unproven suspicions. Implies reputation damage.
Similar expressions
in disgrace
under suspicion
discredited
in trouble
Opposites
in good standing
respected
trusted
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- go with the flow
To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
Use it in a practice answer
Try "under a cloud" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.