be under a cloud
To be viewed with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval. Ever since that leak of private emails, everything the CEO has done has been under a cloud. As far as I'm concerned, the victim's husband is under a cloud until we interrogate him. I can't go into business with Mike because I know he's done shady things in the past. He's always going to be under a cloud in my mind
under a cloud
Viewed with suspicion, distrust, or disapproval. Ever since that leak of private emails, everything the CEO has done has been under a cloud. As far as I'm concerned, the victim's husband remains under a cloud of suspicion until we have interrogated him.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
under a cloud (of suspicion)
Fig. suspected of something. Someone stole some money at work, and now everyone is under a cloud of suspicion. Even the manager is under a cloud.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
under a cloud
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]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
under a cloud
COMMON If someone is under a cloud, they are generally not trusted or are disapproved of, because of something that they have done. The president of the bank resigned under a cloud several weeks ago. He departed as England coach under a cloud over his business dealings. With its leader under a cloud, these are difficult times for the party.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
under a cloud
under suspicion or discredited. 1992 Alasdair Gray Poor Things The career of this once famous soldier began as well as ended under a cloud.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
under a ˈcloud
suspected of having done something wrong; in disgrace: He’d been stealing, so he was asked to resign, and he left under a cloud.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
under a cloud
Under suspicion or in a state of disgrace.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
under a cloud, to be
To be under suspicion, in trouble, or out of favor. The metaphor calls up the image of sunny blue skies marred by one cloud over the head of a particular individual. Al Capp (1909–79), the cartoonist remembered best for his comic strip “L’il Abner,” included in it one ill-fated character, Joe Btfsplk, who went everywhere with a black cloud hanging over his head and brought misfortune with him. The term was already being used figuratively by 1500.
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer