undercurrent
US
UK undercurrent n: (water, air: current below surface) (水、空气等)
SC 暗流，潜流 àn liú，qián liú
The boy was rescued by lifeguards after an undercurrent dragged him out to sea.
undercurrent n: figurative (subtle suggestion)
SC 细微的或潜在的感情或迹象, 潜流
The lemon juice adds flavour to this dish, but it's just an undercurrent.
undercurrent of [sth] n: figurative (subtle suggestion of [sth])
SC 潜在的情绪
SC 潜在的影响
There has been an undercurrent of fear in the city ever since the terrorist attack..