Crossword Genius

Philosophers said to be among clouds? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

moralists

'philosophers' is the definition.
(I know this)

'said to be among clouds?' is the wordplay.
'said' becomes 'oral' (both can mean spoken).
'to be among' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are placed among others).
'clouds?' becomes 'mists' ('mist' can be a synonym of 'cloud').
'oral' going inside 'mists' is 'MORALISTS'.

(Another definition for moralists that I've seen is " Preachers".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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