暗雲

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 暗雲, read あんうん, means dark clouds or signs suggesting trouble ahead.
• Basic usage: It is used for both clouds gathering in the western sky and signs casting doubt on the future of negotiations.
  • 西の空に暗雲が垂れ込めてきた。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Ominous signs versus a settled outcome
  • Saying that 暗雲 hangs over negotiations means the outlook is worrying. It does not establish that the negotiations have already broken down.