
IdiomNature
English
storm clouds are gathering
Meaning: Trouble is coming.
Example: “With both sides refusing to talk, storm clouds are gathering over the negotiations.”
Origin: Dark clouds forming before a storm. The figurative use for approaching conflict is common from the 19th century.
Equivalents in other languages
Spanish: oler a chamusquina Literally: To smell of a scorch or singe
French: Il y a de l'orage dans l'air Literally: There's a storm in the air
French: Il y a de l'eau dans le gaz Literally: There is water in the gas
More English idioms
- be rolling in it To be very rich.
- be worth one's weight in gold To be extremely valuable or useful.
- all bark and no bite Threatening or boastful but not actually dangerous.
- the flip side of the coin The opposite, usually less pleasant, aspect of something.
- the eighth wonder of the world Something extraordinary, often said ironically.
- a den of thieves A place full of dishonest people.
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