Clouded views?

Wise Words: cloud

There’s not a cloud in the sky. If you believe that, you’re in cloud-cuckoo-land.

There’s a huge volcanic ash cloud somewhere up there that’s causing havoc around the world. It’s hovering above Europe, but the knock-on effect is being felt in New Zealand, Canada and Kenya. Most clouds have a silver lining, and this one is no exception. However, this silver lining seems to be very thin.

“Every cloud has a silver lining” is a proverb the optimists amongst you will like using, while "cloud-cuckoo-land" is more for the pessimists. If you say someone is living in cloud-cuckoo-land, that person has, in your eyes, a clouded view of reality (there’s another meaning to “cloud”). While people who have their heads in the clouds have absolutely no idea of reality!

For those of you who have now reached home after spending days on the road, I imagine that you’re on cloud nine (I'm not sure whether native English-speakers are two clouds closer to heaven, or the Germans are two closer to somewhere else). If you haven’t made it home yet, I wish you a safe and swift journey.

In the meantime, watch these beautiful cloud formations. They have a wonderful calming effect, don’t you think? As the clouds are forming and breaking up, try to remember the “cloud” expressions from this blog. Does the video help you to visualize the meanings — or does it cloud your judgement?

Expressions with "cloud"

clouded in secrecy = geheimnisumwittert, in Schweigen gehüllt
The marketing department is working on something new, but the project is clouded in secrecy.

under a cloud (of suspicion) = in einem Nebel des Verdachts
He left under a cloud. They all blame him for the accident.

cloud sb.’s judgement = jdms. Urteilsvermögen trüben
He’s clearly in love with her and that’s clouded his judgement.

cloud = trüben, beeinträchtigen
The event was clouded by demonstrations.