# dark cloud

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dark-cloud
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A situation or future event that causes worry, problems or unhappiness, likened to such a cloud overhead in the sky.

## Examples

- A dark cloud hangs over our plans for the weekend.
- The threat of layoffs cast a dark cloud over the office, making everyone feel nervous and uncertain about their jobs.
- Despite the success of the new project, a dark cloud of suspicion remained, as the team struggled to move past the recent scandal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.