Under a cloud
Meaning
To be regarded with suspicion or to be in a state of disgrace or disfavor.
Origin
Long before meteorology, people observed how quickly a bright, clear day could turn gloomy with the arrival of dark clouds. This natural phenomenon, where sunlight is obscured and the world momentarily darkens, became a powerful metaphor for misfortune and hidden trouble. By the mid-17th century, English speakers began to apply this imagery to a person's reputation. To be "under a cloud" meant that one's good name, once bright and clear, was now overshadowed by suspicion or disgrace, leaving them in a metaphorical state of uncertainty and public scrutiny, just as the landscape is dimmed when the sun disappears behind a storm cloud.
Examples
- After the allegations surfaced, the CEO found himself under a cloud, with investors questioning his leadership.
- Despite his acquittal, the politician remained under a cloud of public suspicion for years.