a cloud of mistrust

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cloud of mistrust" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a pervasive feeling of distrust among individuals or groups. Example: "After the scandal, there was a cloud of mistrust hanging over the organization, making it difficult for employees to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The venture soon collapsed, leaving a cloud of mistrust hanging over all research into iron fertilisation.

The Guardian

Sell-side research remains somewhat under a cloud of mistrust, dating back to the bursting of the dot-com bubble.

The New York Times

Every champion from Marion Jones of the United States to Inge de Bruijn of the Netherlands becomes shrouded in a cloud of mistrust.

The New York Times - Sports

This was precisely the sort of measure that the February deal obliged Greece to avoid taking without consulting its creditors.Mr Tsipras therefore arrives in Brussels today, for a summit of Europe's heads of government, under a cloud of mistrust.

The Economist

The commission's reticence to embrace EFSA's reassuring conclusion without member states' backing may cast a cloud of mistrust on the assessment of the European Union's own agency which has been accused of being under undue industry influence.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

And George Zimmerman wouldn't have to live the rest of his life under a cloud of suspicion and mistrust.

Huffington Post

After all, here's a man everyone calls "honest Iago," even as he lies, preys on people's weaknesses and fears, and sets off a sickening chain of events under a cloud of racial mistrust.

The New Yorker

They also suffered for years under a cloud of doubt and mistrust.

Forbes

A journalist asked him about the cloud of mistrust hanging over him now that the fraud charges he was facing have been dropped without being tested in a court of law.

The New York Times

Throughout the day, Administration officials appear to have acted in a cloud of confused and vague information about the events in Panama and an atmosphere of mistrust that may have predisposed them not to throw much support behind Major Giroldi.

The New York Times

A cloud of us.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a cloud of mistrust", ensure that the context clearly establishes the source or reason for the mistrust to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a cloud of mistrust" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "an atmosphere of suspicion" or "a veil of doubt" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cloud of mistrust" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an adverbial modifier. It describes a pervasive feeling or atmosphere. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a cloud of mistrust" is a noun phrase used to describe a pervasive feeling of distrust or suspicion. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable across various contexts, although it appears more frequently in News & Media. Alternatives such as "an atmosphere of suspicion" or "a veil of doubt" can provide variety in your writing. Use this phrase judiciously to effectively convey the lack of trust and its implications in a given situation. Remember to clarify the source of the mistrust for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an atmosphere of suspicion

Focuses on the surrounding environment rather than the explicit feeling.

a climate of distrust

Highlights the prevailing conditions that encourage mistrust.

a veil of doubt

Emphasizes the obscured nature of the truth due to uncertainty.

a shadow of skepticism

Implies a lingering doubt or disbelief.

a sense of unease

Focuses on the discomfort and anxiety caused by mistrust.

a feeling of uncertainty

Emphasizes the lack of clarity and confidence.

an air of disbelief

Highlights the incredulity surrounding a situation or person.

a climate of wariness

Indicates caution and suspicion in interactions.

a culture of incredulity

Suggests a habitual disbelief or doubt within a group.

a pall of apprehension

Highlights the looming anxiety caused by possible negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a cloud of mistrust" in a sentence?

Use "a cloud of mistrust" to depict a pervasive sense of distrust affecting relationships or situations. For instance, "a cloud of mistrust settled over the team after the confidentiality breach" illustrates how the breach created widespread doubt.

What are some alternatives to "a cloud of mistrust"?

You can use alternatives like "an atmosphere of suspicion", "a veil of doubt", or "a climate of distrust" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a cloud of mistrust" in formal writing?

Yes, "a cloud of mistrust" is suitable for formal writing as it is a well-understood metaphor found in reputable news and academic sources. Its appropriateness depends on the specific context and tone of your writing.

What distinguishes "a cloud of mistrust" from "a legacy of mistrust"?

"A cloud of mistrust" describes a current, often recent, pervasive feeling of distrust, whereas "a legacy of mistrust" refers to a long-standing, historical pattern of distrust.