under a cloud

US/ˈʌn.dɚ ə klaʊd/

prepositional phrase

Of an uncertain future due to an anticipated threat or change in circumstance.

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Meanings

prepositional phrase
  1. idiomaticOf an uncertain future due to an anticipated threat or change in circumstance.

    2012, Iain W. Provan, 1 & 2 Kings, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series, unnumbered page, First Kings 9:10-10:29 brings us back to see the glory of this empire. It is glory that must now be seen with respect to 8:22-53 and 9:1-9. It is therefore glory under a cloud, destined to fade away.

  2. idiomaticUnder suspicion; subject to critical inspection.

    “The department feels it's got to suspend any cop who's under a cloud if they're going to maintain public faith in the system.[…]"

    2006, Eliot Sefrin, Under a Cloud, page 233
    1 more example

    A man accused of a crime is entitled to a speedy trial, not merely because he is under a personal restraint, but also because his reputation is under a cloud, as long as the criminal accusation remains undisposed of.

    1900, Christopher Gustavus Tiedeman, A Treatise on State and Federal Control of Persons and Property in the United States, Considered from Both a Civil and Criminal Standpoint, volume 1, published 2002, page 103
  3. idiomaticIn or into controversial circumstances.

    [A] series of mishaps including the sinking of INS Sindhurakshak in August last year has put him under a cloud.

    2014 February 27, Yogesh Naik, Bipin Kumar Singh, “Submarine mishap sinks navy chief”, in Mumbai Mirror, India, retrieved 01 Mar 2014
    2 more examples

    The enlarged Chilean navy was placed under the command of dashing Lord Cochrane, a very distinguished admiral of the British Royal Navy, then under a cloud at home, who took service under the Chilean flag,[…].

    1900, C.S. Walton, The Civil Law in Spain and Spanish-America, page 13

    “Did she resign?” Cherry asked. “No, Dr. Fairall fired her. Zelda left here under a cloud. Sort of mysterious. I never found out exactly."

    1966, Helen Wells, Cherry Ames: The Mystery in the Doctor's Office, page 67

Translations

Finnish epäilty, luupin alla
  • epäiltyunder suspicion
  • luupin allaunder suspicion
Cite this entry
APA

under a cloud. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/under%20a%20cloud

MLA

“under a cloud.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/under%20a%20cloud. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “under a cloud,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/under%20a%20cloud.

Source: under a cloud on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.