black cloud

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black cloud

1. An air of fury or ill-temper. I could tell by the black cloud around him that he should not to be disturbed. What's up with the black cloud around Maria today? She's awfully cranky. A: "Betty is always so pleasant." B: "I know, it's like she never has a black cloud around her."

2. An especially foul, angry mood. Steer clear of the boss today—he is really in a black cloud. Good luck asking Mom for money when you already know she's in a black cloud. Now that my parents know I'm failing three classes, they're really in a black cloud.

3. A depressed mood. I felt like there was a black cloud around me all the time until I started seeing a therapist. How's Tom doing? The last time I saw him, he'd just been dumped by his girlfriend—is he still in a black cloud? A: "Why is Mark in a black cloud? Is he OK?" B: "Yeah, he just found out he didn't get into his first-choice school."