cloud

be on cloud nine (informal)

to be very happy. For a few days after I heard I'd got the job, I was on cloud nine.

See also: nine

be under a cloud

if someone or something is under a cloud, they are not trusted or not popular because people think they have done something bad. The bishop's brother resigned from his job under a cloud. The hotel business is under a cloud at the moment after newspapers revealed that many tourists were being systematically overcharged.

a cloud on the horizon

a problem or difficulty which you expect to happen in the future. The only cloud on the horizon is the physics exam in June - I'm sure I'll do fine in all the others.

See also: horizon

Every cloud has a silver lining.

something that you say which means that there is something good even in an unpleasant situation. As the trip's been cancelled I'll be able to go to the match this Saturday. Every cloud has a silver lining.

See also: every, has, silver

have your head in the clouds

to not know what is really happening around you because you are paying too much attention to your own ideas. He's an academic. They've all got their heads in the clouds.

See also: head

live in cloud-cuckoo land

to believe that things you want will happen, when really they are impossible. Anyone who thinks this project will be finished within six weeks is living in cloud-cuckoo land.

See also: land, live

with your head in the clouds

have your head in the clouds - to not know what is really happening around you because you are paying too much attention to your own ideas. He was walking along with his head in the clouds as usual when he tripped over a paving stone.

See also: head

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a cloud on the horizon

a problem or difficulty that is likely to happen in the future. For farmers, another cloud on the horizon is higher prices for fertilizer and fuel. Even when everything is going perfectly, Bruce can see dark clouds on the horizon.

on the horizon

See also: horizon

on cloud nine

very happy. She just bought her first new car and she's on cloud nine.

See also: nine

under a cloud

thought possibly to be involved in something illegal or criminal. Several people at my company have suddenly left under a cloud and are being investigated by the police.