口语中的be under a cloud，指一个人受到怀疑或者非难之中，相当于be under suspicion或者in disfavor。

　　John has been under a cloud at the office since he made some careless comments about the company's business。阿尊自从对公司业务作了一些大意的批评后，在办公室中一直受到冷遇。

　　有时be under a cloud作“意气消沉”解，例如：Jean has been under a cloud ever since her beloved kitten died。阿珍自从她所爱的小猫死去后一直沮丧不欢。

　　相反地表示非常高兴，则有be on cloud nine的说法：Jean is on cloud nine because she has got another kitten。阿珍因为有了另一只小猫，高兴得如在九宵云上。

　　高兴到如登九天的be on cloud nine，原来作be on cloud seven，在七重天上。七重天之cloud seven来自seventh heaven，天国共有七个，第七个是天神所在的极乐世界，故be in seventh heaven指非常快乐，然后有be on cloud nine，比七重天更高两层，口语中表示非常快乐。

　　美语有加以点明而作：Be in seventh heaven of delight, extremely happy也。