be in a black cloud

1. To be in an especially foul, angry mood. Steer clear of the boss today—he is really in a black cloud. A: "Betty is always so pleasant." B: "I know, it's like she's never in a black cloud." Good luck asking Mom for money when you already know she's in a black cloud.

2. To be depressed. I felt like I was in a black cloud all the time until I started seeing a therapist. How's Tom doing? The last time I saw him, he'd just been dumped by his girlfriend—is he still in a black cloud? A: "Why is Mark in a black cloud? Is he OK?" B: "Yeah, he just found out he didn't get into his first-choice school."