under a cloud
prep_phraseUS /ˈʌn.dɚ ə klaʊd/
1
Idiomatic Of 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
Idiomatic Under suspicion; subject to critical inspection.
- 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:
- “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:
3
Idiomatic In or into controversial circumstances.
- 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:
1 more example
- [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:
- Related terms
- under the spotlight, in the spotlight, under the microscope