What does the idiom being under a cloud mean?

"Being under a cloud" means to be suspected of wrongdoing or to be in a state of disgrace or disfavor. It suggests a sense of uncertainty, suspicion, and negativity surrounding a person or situation.

Here are some examples of how the idiom is used:

* "The politician has been under a cloud since the scandal broke." This means the politician is suspected of wrongdoing and their reputation has been tarnished.

* "The company is operating under a cloud due to its recent financial troubles." This suggests that the company is facing challenges and its future is uncertain.

* "He's been under a cloud ever since he lost his job." This means the person is feeling down and discouraged after losing their job.

The idiom originates from the image of a dark cloud obscuring the sun, casting a shadow over everything. It evokes a sense of gloom, uncertainty, and negativity.