
Message
... but for one reason or another they struggle to get the message.
Hmm ...
I beg to differ.
I think they do get the message and understand it quite clearly.
As to the reason for not going along, maybe it is because they looked up the word in the dictionary.
Or delved into the etymology of the term.
"Meaning "cloud-like mass of smoke or dust" is from late 14c. Figuratively, as something that obscures, darkens, threatens, or casts a shadow, from c. 1300; hence under a cloud (c. 1500). In the clouds "removed from earthly things; obscure, fanciful, unreal" is from 1640s."
Have a good week-end.
O.