war cloud

American  

noun

1. something that threatens war; a harbinger of conflict.

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Etymology

Origin of war cloud

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

war cloud

China’s three largest airlines returned to profit in the first quarter, but the recovery may prove short-lived as higher fuel costs due to the Middle East war cloud the outlook and threaten bottom lines.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 30, 2026

Nevertheless Frank's telegram had stated that the beginning of the war cloud had appeared over Europe—the cloud which was later to spread over so large a part of the world.

From The Ranch Girls and Their Great Adventure by Vandercook, Margaret

But no war cloud darkened the skies for many years after the Indian troubles were over.

From In Ancient Albemarle by Pugh, Mabel

In 1870, just before the war cloud burst, covering all that part of the world, I was stopping for some weeks at the Hotel Nassau.

From Bidwell's Travels, from Wall Street to London Prison Fifteen Years in Solitude by Bidwell, Austin

But again the war cloud seemed to hover over the establishment, and again the Sheriff's officers appeared in force.

From The Mapleson Memoirs, vol I 1848-1888 by Mapleson, James H.