雲くもをつかむよう

Meanings

Idiomatic expression describing something as intangible or hard to grasp, like trying to catch a cloud. Often used for abstract concepts, plans, or feelings that lack clarity.

彼かれの説せつ明めいは雲くもをつかむようで、何なにを言いいたいのかさっぱりわからなかった。
His explanation was so vague that I had no idea what he wanted to say.
将しょう来らいの計けい画かくがまだ雲くもをつかむような状じょう態たいだ。
Our future plans are still hazy.

See all 4 example sentences ›

Kanji

雲cloud
掴catch, seize, grasp

Related words

漠ばく然ぜんN1
漠然 is a formal, Sino-Japanese adjective meaning 'vague' or 'obscure', while 雲をつかむよう is a vivid idiomatic expression emphasizing that something feels intangible and impossible to grasp.
曖あい昧まいN3
あいまい describes general ambiguity, often of statements or boundaries, whereas 雲をつかむよう specifically conveys the sensation of something being elusive like trying to catch a cloud.

Opposites

具ぐ体たい的てきN3
具体的 means 'concrete' or 'specific', the opposite of 雲をつかむよう, which describes something vague and hard to pin down.
明めい確かくN3
明確 means 'clear' or 'definite', contrasting with 雲をつかむよう, which describes something hazy and elusive.

Written forms

雲くもをつかむよう
Standard idiomatic spelling using つかむ in kana.
雲くもを掴つかむよう
Kanji spelling for つかむ; less common but still seen.

Etymology

Literally 'like grasping a cloud', a metaphorical expression for something intangible and elusive. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a natural simile based on the impossibility of catching a cloud.