In each of the following questions, an idiom or phrase is given. Choose the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom. Under a cloud

Introduction:
The idiom "under a cloud" is frequently seen in news reports, workplace gossip, and discussions about reputation. It does not literally refer to being under a rain cloud but to a negative atmosphere surrounding someone's character or actions.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Idiom: "under a cloud".
- Options: Sheltered from the sun, Under suspicion, Out in the open, Get wet.
- We assume the phrase is being used metaphorically about a person's situation, not about actual weather.

Concept / Approach:
In idiomatic English, being "under a cloud" means that other people suspect you of wrongdoing or doubt your honesty. A "cloud" symbolises doubt, mistrust, or disgrace hanging over someone's head. Therefore, the correct answer must relate to suspicion, not physical shade or rain.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall typical usage, for example, "After the scandal the minister was under a cloud."Step 2: Understand that this sentence means people were suspicious of him or his reputation was damaged.Step 3: Look at option B, "Under suspicion". This directly matches the idea of being mistrusted.Step 4: Consider option A, "Sheltered from the sun", which takes the phrase literally and ignores the figurative meaning.Step 5: Options C and D, "Out in the open" and "Get wet", also relate to physical space or weather rather than suspicion, so they cannot be correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reviewing example sentences or dictionaries confirms that "under a cloud" refers to being suspected of wrongdoing, blamed, or not trusted. It often appears together with words like "scandal", "investigation", or "allegations". There is no mention of physical shelter or rain in these contexts, which reinforces that the idiom is about reputation and suspicion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, "Sheltered from the sun", misreads the cloud as literal shade and is unrelated to trust or suspicion. Option C, "Out in the open", actually suggests transparency, which is almost the opposite of being under suspicion. Option D, "Get wet", again translates the cloud picture literally and misses the figurative sense. Only option B, "Under suspicion", correctly captures the idea of doubt surrounding a person.

Common Pitfalls:
Because idioms often use weather images, learners sometimes assume a physical meaning and ignore the metaphorical one. Another pitfall is choosing "Out in the open" because the word "cloud" suggests a lack of clarity, but the idiom actually focuses on suspicion, not on privacy. To avoid confusion, learn idioms through example sentences and remember that many of them cannot be interpreted literally.

Final Answer:
The idiom "under a cloud" means under suspicion.