(idiomatic) Of an uncertain future due to an anticipated threat or change in circumstance.
2012, Iain W. Provan,1 & 2 Kings, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series,unnumbered page,
First Kings 9:10-10:29 brings us back to see the glory of this empire. It is glory that must now be seen with respect to 8:22-53 and 9:1-9. It is therefore gloryunder a cloud, destined to fade away.
1900, Christopher Gustavus Tiedeman,A Treatise on State and Federal Control of Persons and Property in the United States, Considered from Both a Civil and Criminal Standpoint, volume 1, published2002,page103:
A man accused of a crime is entitled to a speedy trial, not merely because he is under a personal restraint, but also because his reputation isunder a cloud, as long as the criminal accusation remains undisposed of.
1900, C.S. Walton,The Civil Law in Spain and Spanish-America,page13:
The enlarged Chilean navy was placed under the command of dashing Lord Cochrane, a very distinguished admiral of the British Royal Navy, thenunder a cloud at home, who took service under the Chilean flag,[…].
