under a cloud
Related to under a cloud: have a blast, quick off the mark
under a cloud (of suspicion)
Viewed with distrust and/or thought to be dishonorable. 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 of suspicion until we interrogate him.
See also: cloud
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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.
See also: cloud
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
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]
See also: cloud
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
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.
See also: cloud
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
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.
See also: cloud
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
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.See also: cloud
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
under a cloud
Under suspicion or in a state of disgrace.
See also: cloud
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
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
- be under suspicion
- catch a tiger by the tail
- the blame for (something)
- be in the right spot at the right time
- cook the books
- cook the accounts
- chain of command
- be half the battle (won)
- a/the fish rots from the head down
- a/the fish stinks from the head down