under a cloud

USAGE SUMMARY

"under a cloud" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone is in a state of disgrace or disfavor. Example: After his career ended in scandal, the former politician remained under a cloud.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now, its future is under a cloud.

The New York Times

"The city put us under a cloud".

The New York Times

Dale "Brexiting under a cloud".

The Guardian

We kissed that night under a cloud of mosquito netting.

The New York Times

Tells about his resignation under a cloud of corruption.

The New Yorker

Yet that democracy has fallen under a cloud.

The Economist

Mr. DiNapoli inherited the comptroller's office under a cloud.

The New York Times

(He retired from that team, under a cloud, last month).

The New York Times - Sports

But the dream exists under a cloud of uncertainty.

The Guardian

(In fact, Mr. Stern left office somewhat under a cloud.

The New York Times

Even the deputy president, Jacob Zuma, is under a cloud.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under a cloud" to describe situations where someone's reputation or future prospects are negatively affected by doubt, suspicion, or scandal. It's particularly effective when implying uncertainty about the eventual outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "under a cloud" to simply mean 'unhappy' or 'sad'. The phrase specifically implies a situation of doubt, suspicion, or scandal affecting someone's reputation or prospects, not just general negativity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under a cloud" functions as an adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of disgrace, suspicion, or uncertainty. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under a cloud" is a common and grammatically sound idiom used to describe situations where someone or something is facing doubt, suspicion, or scandal. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of uncertainty and potential negative consequences. While alternatives like "under suspicion" or "in disgrace" exist, "under a cloud" provides a nuanced expression of being compromised. Remember, it's crucial to use the phrase accurately, focusing on situations directly impacted by doubt or scandal, rather than general unhappiness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under suspicion

Focuses specifically on the aspect of being suspected of wrongdoing.

in disgrace

Emphasizes the loss of respect or honor.

under scrutiny

Highlights the aspect of being closely examined or investigated.

in disrepute

Indicates a state of having a bad reputation.

out of favor

Suggests a loss of approval or support.

tainted by scandal

Emphasizes the damaging effect of a scandal.

with a tarnished reputation

Highlights the damage to one's good name.

besmirched

Implies that someone's reputation has been stained.

in hot water

Suggests being in trouble or facing consequences.

in jeopardy

Focuses on the risk of failure or loss.

FAQs

How can I use "under a cloud" in a sentence?

Use "under a cloud" to indicate that someone or something is experiencing doubt, suspicion, or discredit. For instance, "The company's stock price fell after the CEO resigned "under a cloud" of controversy".

What are some phrases similar to "under a cloud"?

Alternatives to "under a cloud" include "under suspicion", "in disgrace", and "under scrutiny". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say someone is "under a cloud"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Under a cloud" is a well-established idiom in English and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What does it mean for a career to be "under a cloud"?

When a career is "under a cloud", it means that the person's professional reputation or future prospects are being negatively affected by suspicion, scandal, or some other form of discredit. The person's standing is uncertain.