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under a cloud. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
under a cloud, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
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English
Etymology
(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Pronunciation
Prepositional phrase
under a cloud
- (idiomatic) Whose future is uncertain 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.
- (idiomatic) Under suspicion; subject to critical inspection.
1900, Christopher Gustavus Tiedeman, A Treatise on State and Federal Control of Persons and Property in in the United States, Considered from Both a Civil and Criminal Standpoint, volume 1, published 2002, page 103: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, C.S. Walton, The Civil Law in Spain and Spanish-America, page 13: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, […] .
2006, Eliot Sefrin, Under a Cloud, page 233:“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. […] "
- (idiomatic) In or into controversial circumstances.
1966, Helen Wells, Cherry Ames: The Mystery in the Doctor's Office, page 67:“Did she resign?” Cherry asked.
“No, Dr. Fairall fired her. Zelda left here under a cloud. Sort of mysterious. I never found out exactly."
2014 February 27, Yogesh Naik, Bipin Kumar Singh, “Submarine mishap sinks navy chief”, in Mumbai Mirror, India, retrieved 1 March 2014:[A] series of mishaps including the sinking of INS Sindhurakshak in August last year has put him under a cloud.
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