Be under a cloud

Origin

The metaphorical use of "cloud" to signify gloom, trouble, disgrace, or suspicion has ancient roots, with dark clouds often symbolizing impending misfortune or divine displeasure. In English, this potent imagery truly solidified into the idiom "under a cloud" during the 17th century. John Milton, in his epic 1667 poem Paradise Lost, powerfully used the phrase to describe Lucifer: "Under a cloud, and with a troubled mind." This vivid portrayal cemented the idiom in the English language, perfectly capturing the sense of being overshadowed by disgrace or suspicion, much like a dark cloud obscures the sun and casts a shadow over a person's reputation or character.