Clouds aren’t just in the sky—they’re in our language too! This blog post explores common English idioms that use the word “cloud.” These phrases are colorful ways to express feelings or describe situations, and they’re used by people all over the world. Even kids can understand these fun expressions!
Cloud Idioms
Here are 20 cloud idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.
1. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: Good aspects of a bad situation
Example: Lost your job? Every cloud has a silver lining; you disliked it anyway.
2. Head in the clouds
Meaning: Not paying attention or daydreaming
Example: He’s always got his head in the clouds during meetings.
3. On cloud nine
Meaning: Extremely happy
Example: She’s been on cloud nine since getting engaged.
4. Under a cloud
Meaning: In trouble or disfavor
Example: He’s been under a cloud since the scandal.
5. Cloud of suspicion
Meaning: Under suspicion
Example: There’s a cloud of suspicion over the missing funds.
6. Cloud of uncertainty
Meaning: Unsure or unclear situation
Example: A cloud of uncertainty hangs over their future.
7. Cloud your judgment
Meaning: Affect decision-making ability
Example: Don’t let anger cloud your judgment.
8. In a fog
Meaning: Confused, unclear thinking
Example: I’m in a fog about what decision to make.
9. Cloud over
Meaning: Become gloomy or sad
Example: His mood clouded over at the news.
10. Cast a cloud
Meaning: Make less enjoyable
Example: The argument cast a cloud over dinner.
11. A storm cloud
Meaning: A sign of trouble or conflict
Example: Storm clouds are brewing in their relationship.
12. Cloud the issue
Meaning: Make something unclear
Example: Let’s not cloud the issue with irrelevant details.
13. No clouds on the horizon
Meaning: No sign of trouble or difficulty
Example: It’s smooth sailing, no clouds on the horizon.
14. Cloud of gloom
Meaning: A feeling or atmosphere of depression
Example: A cloud of gloom fell over the team after the loss.
15. Clouds roll by
Meaning: Time passes, situations change
Example: Just wait, these troubles will cloud roll by.
16. Break through the clouds
Meaning: Overcome difficulties
Example: His smile broke through the clouds of her mood.
17. Clouds part
Meaning: Situation improves
Example: The clouds parted when he got the job offer.
18. Clouds gather
Meaning: Trouble is approaching
Example: Clouds gather as the debate intensifies.
19. Between the clouds
Meaning: In brief moments of clarity
Example: She found happiness between the clouds of her illness.
20. Cloud up
Meaning: Become clouded or obscured
Example: His expression clouded up with anger.