The phrase "was in clouds" typically refers to someone who is lost in thought or daydreaming. There are a number of synonyms that can be used to describe this state, including "lost in reverie," "preoccupied," "lost in thought," "contemplative," or "deep in concentration." Other phrases that can be used to describe the state of being lost in thought include "in a daze," "in a trance," "in a dreamland," or "zoned out." Regardless of the specific synonym used, the underlying idea is that the person in question is deeply focused on their own thoughts and not fully engaged with their surroundings.