under a cloud

Idioms and Phrases

Under suspicion, in trouble, or out of favor, as in Ever since his brother was accused of fraud, he's been under a cloud . This metaphoric expression calls up the image of a single black cloud hanging over an individual. [c. 1500]

Example Sentences

The conglomerate has been operating under a cloud in the US since 2023, when a high-profile company published a report accusing it of fraud.

From BBC

Senior lawyer Kamini Jaiswal says Justice Chandrachud’s appointment had come at “a crucial juncture as some of the last chief justices had left under a cloud of dark spots and the position had been denigrated with serious allegations”.

From BBC

Yes, he left once, under a cloud.

From BBC

Speaking to the BBC in 2013, he left school "under a cloud destined to do not much at all", having struggled with dyslexia - going on to work in a number of jobs before joining the police.

From BBC

Claims about bullying, misogyny, and pay had come from people who had left under a cloud, he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• dusky
• leafy
• screened
• sheltered