clouds of glory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clouds of glory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a poetic or metaphorical context to describe a majestic or awe-inspiring scene, often associated with divine or sublime experiences. Example: "As the sun set behind the mountains, the sky was painted with clouds of glory, casting a warm glow over the valley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

And yet he trails clouds of glory.

The Guardian - Books

The 22 bibliophiles turned out to trail clouds of glory.

The New York Times - Books

The Talmud debates whether the sukkahs were "clouds of glory" or more conventional physical tents.

The New York Times

Both state schools but trailing clouds of glory from their illustrious past.

The Guardian

I could just glimpse it through the trailing clouds of glory.

The New York Times - Travel

Children — blameless, pure, and "trailing clouds of glory" — have been redeeming depraved adults ever since the Christ child was born, in Bethlehem.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The Jerusalem I saw at that moment was filled with love, light, clouds of glory- possibilities that made me realize, I have nothing to fear at all but fear itself.

Huffington Post

The film ends with the Met in a cloud of glory, successfully policing last year's Brixton Splash festival.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Torah tells us that the Cloud of Glory protected and accompanied the Israelites on their journeys, leading them and guiding them, and serving as an illuminated beacon at night.

Huffington Post

Perhaps the desire to read books before they start trailing clouds of reputed glory is what leads people to become publishers or agents.

The New York Times - Books

David Medalla's lovely bubble tower trails clouds of iridescent glory through the gallery as Lynda Benglis's flaccid grey blob slumps depressed in the corner.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "clouds of glory" to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, especially when describing scenes with strong visual or spiritual significance. It is most effective when associated with something pure or innocent.

Common error

Avoid using "clouds of glory" in everyday situations or trivial descriptions. The phrase carries a weighty, almost sacred connotation, and using it inappropriately can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "clouds of glory" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically to describe a state of great splendor, purity, or divine presence. Ludwig shows examples in both religious and secular contexts, emphasizing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "clouds of glory" is a poetic and evocative expression that suggests a state of splendor, divinity, or past greatness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its prevalence in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a sense of awe and reverence is desired, and its use in mundane contexts should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "heavens of splendor" or "skies of magnificence" to fine-tune the tone and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Heavens of splendor

Replaces "clouds" with "heavens" and "glory" with "splendor", emphasizing a celestial and brilliant scene.

Skies of magnificence

Substitutes "clouds" with "skies" and "glory" with "magnificence", highlighting the grandeur and impressive nature of the heavens.

Aura of brilliance

Focuses on the radiant and luminous quality associated with "glory", using "aura" to describe the surrounding atmosphere.

Vestige of former greatness

Shifts the focus to past accomplishments and their lingering presence, replacing the visual imagery with a sense of historical significance.

Remnants of past triumphs

Similar to the previous phrase, this emphasizes the surviving traces of successful achievements.

Divine radiance

Emphasizes the sacred and celestial nature of "glory", focusing on its luminous quality.

Celestial effulgence

Highlights the bright and radiant nature of something divine, using more formal language.

Billowing skies of light

Emphasizes the expansive and luminous nature of the scene, replacing "glory" with a more descriptive image of light.

Shimmering expanse of light

Similar to the previous option, this highlights the luminous quality and vastness of the scene.

Trailing a legacy of distinction

Focuses on the lasting impact and positive reputation left behind, rather than a visual image.

FAQs

What does "clouds of glory" mean?

The phrase "clouds of glory" typically refers to a majestic or awe-inspiring scene, often associated with divine or sublime experiences, or with the aura surrounding someone or something of great significance.

Where does the phrase "clouds of glory" come from?

The phrase "clouds of glory" is often attributed to William Wordsworth's poem "Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood", where it describes the state of infants as being close to God.

What can I say instead of "clouds of glory"?

You can use alternatives like "heavens of splendor", "skies of magnificence", or "divine radiance" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "clouds of glory" in formal writing?

Yes, "clouds of glory" can be used in formal writing, especially in contexts where you want to evoke a sense of grandeur, awe, or historical significance. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it fits appropriately.