cloud of uncertainty
1
6.7
- noun
- /klaʊd əv ʌnˈsɜrˌtɛnti/
- After the meeting, the cloud of uncertainty about the project's timeline started to dissipate.
- lift the cloud of uncertainty
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Watch on YouTubeWhat did they think at that moment that they, is it just this kind of cloud of uncertainty that that they're just describing a geometric object?
- What did they think at that moment that they, is it just this kind of cloud of uncertainty that that they're just describing a geometric object?
Examples
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While the new policy was announced, a cloud of uncertainty still lingered over how it would affect workers' jobs.
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This would at least remove one cloud of uncertainty for the private sector.
Blog text (12) -
What did they think at that moment that they, is it just this kind of cloud of uncertainty that that they're just describing a geometric object?
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A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the future of the Wonder Wheel, the Cyclone roller coaster, the freak show, the arcades, and the people.
Blog text (33) -
The report helped clarify many issues, lifting the cloud of uncertainty that had surrounded the company’s future.
Synonyms
∞
1.6
A feeling of not being sure about something
296
4.0
Not being sure about what will happen or what to do
27
5.9
A feeling of doubt or worry about whether something will turn out well
25
8.2
A situation when you do not know what to do
2
3.8
A small feeling that something might not be true
A feeling of doubt or low confidence
A state of not knowing what will happen
A feeling of not being sure or confident about something
A feeling of not being sure about something
A feeling of doubt or uncertainty about something
A strong, worrying feeling that you are not sure you can trust someone or something
A quiet feeling of not being sure about something
Antonyms
How Uncertain
Surface Forms
Morphology
cloud + of + uncertainty
The meaning is directly compositional: 'cloud' used metaphorically as an atmosphere or covering combined with 'uncertainty' (doubt) yields 'an atmosphere of doubt', which a learner who knows both words can infer. The 'cloud of X' metaphor is common cross-linguistically and follows a regular noun + of + noun pattern, so the phrase is readily understandable to B1 learners.
Etymology
Cloud of uncertainty gives a clear picture: a dark cloud hides the sky so you cannot see ahead. So it means 'doubt' and that people are 'not sure what will happen'.