under a cloud
Under suspicion or in a state of disgrace
Literally: Positioned underneath a visible mass of condensed water vapor in the sky.
Use this to describe someone who is currently suspected of wrongdoing or has left a situation in disgrace.
In 15 Seconds
- Being suspected of doing something wrong or illegal.
- Living with a damaged reputation or social disgrace.
- A period of uncertainty before a scandal is settled.
Meaning
Imagine someone walking around with a dark rain cloud following only them. It means people suspect you did something wrong or you are in trouble with your community.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a former boss
The CEO left the company under a cloud after the audit results.
The CEO left the company in disgrace after the audit results.
Gossiping about a neighbor
Ever since the police visited, he's been living under a cloud.
Ever since the police visited, he's been under suspicion.
Texting a friend about a mutual acquaintance
I heard Sarah is under a cloud at school because of the leaked exam.
I heard Sarah is in trouble at school because of the leaked exam.
Cultural Background
The phrase dates back to the 17th century, drawing on the universal human experience of weather affecting mood. In British and American literature, it became a standard way to describe a character's fall from grace without needing to list their specific sins. It reflects a cultural obsession with 'reputation' as something that can be clouded or cleared.
The 'Departure' Rule
This phrase is most commonly used with the word 'left' or 'resigned'. If someone leaves a job suddenly and everyone is whispering, they 'left under a cloud'.
Don't confuse with 'Under the weather'
If you are sick, you are `under the weather`. If people think you stole the office cookies, you are `under a cloud`. Don't mix them up or people will think you're in trouble when you just have a cold!
In 15 Seconds
- Being suspected of doing something wrong or illegal.
- Living with a damaged reputation or social disgrace.
- A period of uncertainty before a scandal is settled.
What It Means
Being under a cloud means you are living with suspicion hanging over your head. You haven't necessarily been proven guilty of a crime or mistake yet. However, everyone is looking at you with a side-eye. It feels like a shadow is following you while everyone else is in the sun. It is that awkward period where your reputation is damaged and people are waiting for the truth to come out.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to describe someone’s status in a group. You can say someone 'left' a job under a cloud or is 'living' under a cloud. It usually follows the verb to be or to leave. It is great for describing drama without being too specific about the details. It focuses on the feeling of disgrace rather than the specific bad act.
When To Use It
Use it when a coworker suddenly quits after money goes missing. Use it when a politician is being investigated for a scandal. It works perfectly for neighborhood gossip or office politics. If a friend is being ignored by the group because of a rumor, they are under a cloud. It adds a bit of mystery and weight to your storytelling.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for actual rainy weather; that's just being 'under the clouds'. Avoid using it for small, silly mistakes like spilling coffee. It is too heavy for minor accidents. Also, don't use it if someone is definitely innocent and everyone knows it. This phrase requires a sense of doubt or ongoing shame. If the sun is out and everyone is happy, stay away from this idiom!
Cultural Background
This idiom has been around since the 1600s. It uses the weather as a metaphor for a person's social 'atmosphere'. In English culture, a cloud represents gloom and a lack of clarity. It suggests that the 'sunlight' of approval has been blocked. It is a very visual way to describe how social pressure feels physically heavy.
Common Variations
You might hear people say someone is under a cloud of suspicion. This is just a more specific version of the same phrase. Sometimes people say a cloud hangs over someone. Both mean the same thing: things are looking pretty gloomy for that person's reputation. Just remember, the 'cloud' is always negative in this context!
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and sits in the 'neutral' register. It is safe for work but common in casual gossip. Be careful not to use it for minor errors; it usually implies a serious breach of trust.
The 'Departure' Rule
This phrase is most commonly used with the word 'left' or 'resigned'. If someone leaves a job suddenly and everyone is whispering, they 'left under a cloud'.
Don't confuse with 'Under the weather'
If you are sick, you are `under the weather`. If people think you stole the office cookies, you are `under a cloud`. Don't mix them up or people will think you're in trouble when you just have a cold!
The British Nuance
In British English, this is often used very politely to avoid saying someone is a criminal. It's a 'classy' way to gossip about someone's bad behavior.
Examples
6The CEO left the company under a cloud after the audit results.
The CEO left the company in disgrace after the audit results.
Focuses on the suspicious circumstances of the departure.
Ever since the police visited, he's been living under a cloud.
Ever since the police visited, he's been under suspicion.
Describes a person's ongoing social status in a neighborhood.
I heard Sarah is under a cloud at school because of the leaked exam.
I heard Sarah is in trouble at school because of the leaked exam.
Very common way to share news about someone's troubles.
I'm under a cloud at the dog park because my puppy stole a steak.
I'm in disgrace at the dog park because my puppy stole a steak.
Uses a heavy idiom for a lighthearted, funny situation.
The athlete finished her career under a cloud of doping allegations.
The athlete finished her career under suspicion of doping.
Standard phrasing for news and media reporting.
It's hard to see him under a cloud when I know he's innocent.
It's hard to see him suspected when I know he's innocent.
Shows empathy for someone facing unfair suspicion.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to complete the idiom describing a suspicious departure.
The manager resigned ___ a cloud after the missing funds were discovered.
The correct preposition for this idiom is always `under`.
Identify the meaning of the phrase in this context.
Mark is 'under a cloud' at the office. This means:
The idiom refers to suspicion or disgrace, not the weather or mood.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Under a Cloud'
Used in gossip or texting friends.
He's under a cloud with the group.
Standard use in daily conversation.
She left the job under a cloud.
Used in news reports or business.
The minister remains under a cloud.
When to use 'Under a Cloud'
Workplace Scandal
Leaving after an HR investigation.
Social Rumors
Being ignored at a party due to gossip.
Legal Suspicion
Being a person of interest in a case.
Sports/Competition
Suspected of cheating in a game.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it specifically implies suspicion. You use under a cloud when the truth isn't fully proven yet, but the reputation is already damaged.
Yes, if you feel like people are judging you. You could say, 'I feel like I'm walking under a cloud since that mistake happened.'
The standard idiom uses 'a'. You should say under a cloud rather than 'the cloud'.
Absolutely. Journalists often use it to describe politicians or celebrities who are facing investigations, like The senator is under a cloud of suspicion.
No, that would be literal. If you say 'I am under a cloud' while standing in the rain, people will think you are trying to be poetic or using the idiom incorrectly.
There isn't a direct weather opposite, but you might say someone has a clean slate or is in the clear.
Not always. Just saying someone is under a cloud is enough, but adding of suspicion or of disgrace makes it more specific.
Yes! You can say, 'The entire police department is under a cloud after the latest scandal.'
Yes, it is used across the English-speaking world, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
The idiom implies a temporary state. Once the person is proven innocent or the scandal is forgotten, the cloud 'lifts'.
Related Phrases
In the doghouse
In trouble with someone (usually a spouse or friend).
Under scrutiny
Being watched very closely, often by authorities.
A black mark
A stain on one's record or reputation.
Fishy
Something that seems suspicious or not quite right.
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