Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):
   • To become overcast: To become completely covered by clouds, describing a change in the sky's condition from clear or partly cloudy to fully cloudy.
   • To become gloomy or troubled: Used figuratively to describe a person's face or mood becoming suddenly sad, angry, or troubled.

Usage and Examples

• Literal (Weather):

  • We should head back; the sky is clouding over quickly.
  • It was a beautiful morning, but it clouded over by noon.

• Figurative (Mood/Expression):

  • Her face clouded over when she heard the bad news.
  • His cheerful demeanor clouded over as he recalled the difficult memory.

Advanced Usage

• The phrasal verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object. The change happens to the subject itself (e.g., the sky, his face).
• It often implies a relatively quick or noticeable change in state.

Variants and Related Words

• Overcast (adj.): Describes the sky when it is completely covered by clouds.
  • The forecast predicts an overcast day.
• Cloudy (adj.): Having many clouds in the sky.
  • It's a cloudy afternoon.

Synonyms

• Become overcast (literal).
• Darken (can be used for both literal and figurative contexts).
• Gloom (verb, chiefly figurative).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Cloud up: Similar to "cloud over," often used for transparent surfaces like glass or windows becoming misty or foggy.
  • The bathroom mirror clouded up from the steam.

Related Idioms

• A cloud on the horizon: A problem or trouble that is expected in the future.
  • The budget deficit is the only cloud on the horizon for the company.
• Under a cloud: Experiencing suspicion, distrust, or disgrace.
  • He resigned from his post under a cloud of scandal.

Verb

1. become overcast
   • the sky clouded over
2. become covered with clouds
   • The sky clouded over