Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom. Be under a cloud
To be untrustworthy
Understanding the Idiom: Be Under a Cloud
The idiom "Be under a cloud" is used to describe someone who is suspected of having done something wrong or is in a state of disgrace or suspicion. It implies that their reputation has been damaged, and people may not trust them.
Analyzing the Options for "Be Under a Cloud"
Let's examine each given option to determine the most appropriate meaning of the idiom "Be under a cloud".
- Option 1: To be very happy
This option suggests a positive emotional state. The idiom "under a cloud" typically implies something negative, related to suspicion or trouble. Therefore, this option is not correct. - Option 2: To be gloomy
Being gloomy means being sad or depressed. While someone under a cloud might feel gloomy due to the situation, the idiom primarily describes the state of being suspected or mistrusted by others, not necessarily the person's internal feeling of sadness. This option captures an effect of being under a cloud but not its core meaning. - Option 3: To be untrustworthy
This option suggests that a person is not deserving of trust. Being "under a cloud" means that suspicion is cast upon you, making others potentially view you as untrustworthy, even if you are not. The state of being under suspicion closely relates to the concept of being perceived or treated as untrustworthy. This option aligns well with the common usage of the idiom. - Option 4: To have a hidden talent
This option is completely unrelated to the meaning of being under suspicion or disgrace. It describes an unknown skill or ability. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
Determining the Most Appropriate Meaning
Comparing the options with the established meaning of "Be under a cloud" which signifies being suspected of wrongdoing or being in disgrace, the option "To be untrustworthy" or more accurately, being *perceived* as untrustworthy due to suspicion, is the closest and most appropriate meaning among the choices provided.
When someone is "under a cloud," it means that there is suspicion surrounding them, often suggesting potential dishonesty or misconduct. This suspicion directly impacts how others perceive their trustworthiness. Therefore, being under a cloud implies that one is being treated as if they are untrustworthy, even if it is not definitively proven.
Revision Table: Idiom Meaning Summary
| Idiom | Meaning | Connotation |
|---|---|---|
| Be under a cloud | To be suspected of something bad or to be in disgrace; to be viewed with suspicion | Negative (suspicion, disgrace, mistrust) |
Additional Information: Using "Under a Cloud"
The idiom "under a cloud" is often used in contexts relating to professional reputation, legal matters, or personal relationships where trust is important. Examples:
- "After the financial scandal, the executive remained under a cloud." (Meaning: The executive was suspected of involvement or was disgraced).
- "The company has been under a cloud since the safety violations were discovered." (Meaning: The company's reputation is damaged due to suspicion and public disapproval).
It is important to distinguish the state of *being* under a cloud (external perception/situation) from the internal feeling of gloominess, although the former can certainly lead to the latter.
Important Questions from Miscellaneous
A stone is thrown horizontally from the top of a 20 m high building with a speed of 12 m/s. It hits the ground at a distance R from the building. Taking g = 10 m/s2 and neglecting air resistance will give :
A sphere of volume V is made of a material with lower density than water. While on Earth, it floats on water with its volume f1V (f1 < 1) submerged. On the other hand, on a spaceship accelerating with acceleration a < g (g is the acceleration due to gravity on Earth) in outer space, its submerged volume in water is f2V. Then:
A railway wagon (open at the top) of mass M1 is moving with speed v1 along a straight track. As a result of rain, after some time it gets partially filled with water so that the mass of the wagon becomes M2 and speed becomes v2. Taking the rain to be falling vertically and the water stationery inside the wagon, the relation between the two speeds v1 and v2 is :
Consider the following statements:
1. Distance between the longitudes becomes zero on North Pole and South Pole.
2. Distance between the longitudes is maximum on the Equator.
3. Number of longitudes is more than number of latitudes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
One block of 2⋅0 kg mass is placed on top of another block of 3⋅0 kg mass. The coefficient of static friction between the two blocks is 0⋅2. The bottom block is pulled with a horizontal force F such that both the blocks move together without slipping. Taking acceleration due to gravity as 10 m/s2, the maximum value of the frictional force is :
