Hong Kong’s overcast weather may have left some of you lethargic and gloomy. While cloud-covered skies can impact your mood, they also give rise to fascinating expressions and idioms in English. From experiencing the joy of being on ‘cloud nine’ to indulging in daydreams with our ‘head in the clouds’, here are 9 English idioms that draw inspiration from the clouds.
1. A cloud hangs over someone/something
Meaning: someone or something is surrounded by a general feeling of distrust as a result of a recent negative event
Example: A cloud has been hanging over the singer’s reputation since the scandal broke.
2. Cast a dark cloud over
Meaning: to spoil a good situation with something unpleasant
Example: The bad weather cast a dark cloud over Amy’s vacation plans as her flight to Japan got cancelled.
3. Cloud on the horizon
Meaning: a problem that could appear in the future
Example: The immigration wave poses a cloud on the horizon for schools in Hong Kong as they experience a loss of teachers and students.
4. Clouded someone’s judgment
Meaning: to cause someone to be unable to think clearly
Example: Janice’s anger clouded her judgment, leading her to make the wrong decision.
5. Every cloud has a silver lining
Meaning: every sad or unpleasant situation has a positive side to it
Example: Despite being rejected by her dream university, Vivian learned that every cloud has a silver lining when she discovered her true calling in teaching.
6. Have someone’s head in the clouds
Meaning: refers to someone who is lost in their thoughts or daydreaming, thereby being unaware of the problems associated with a situation
Example: The teacher scolded his students for having their heads in the clouds during the lesson, reminding them to pay attention and participate.
7. On cloud nine
Meaning: to be extremely happy and excited
Example: James was on cloud nine when he got full marks in the exam.
8. Storm clouds
Meaning: trouble, especially trouble that is going to happen soon
Example: With a high inflation rate, people in the country are preparing themselves for the arrival of economic storm clouds.
9. Under a cloud
Meaning: believed by others to have done something wrong
Example: The politician is under a cloud of suspicion after a corruption scandal broke out in the media.