noun
dark clouds
Literal dark, heavy clouds, often suggesting an approaching storm.
西の空に暗雲が立ちこめている。
Dark clouds are gathering in the western sky.
noun
ominous signs; threatening clouds (figurative)
Figurative use for a situation where trouble or danger seems imminent; often appears in phrases like 暗雲が漂う or 暗雲が立ちこめる.
Ominous clouds began to hang over the relations between the two countries.
経済の先行きに暗雲が立ちこめている。
Dark clouds are gathering over the economic outlook.