looking cloudy over Bill's mothers!

[pingu97]

this saying that used to have me stitches when i was younger. my gran always said it when it was looking like rain, can any1 tell me where it comes from?

[valawil]

We have always said it looks cloudy over 'WILL's' mothers, but I've no idea where the saying came from!

[taichiperson]

This was answered a while ago - it's from the Midlands, and Bill is Shakespeare. If Quizmonster is around, I'm sure he can dig it out - try searching.

[Quizmonster]

It means rain is on the way. This saying seems to be more widespread around the country nowadays, but many - including Eric Partridge in his Dictionary of Catch Phrases - believe it started life in the East Midlands. The best explanation I've ever heard as to its origin is the one that suggests the �Bill', �Will' or �William' in the phrase refers to William (Will/Bill) Shakespeare. He was born in Stratford-on-Avon, to the west of the Midlands and - if the sky is dark and threatening over that area (ie over Bill's mother's) - it means rain is probably headed for the east of the Midlands region, because the prevailing winds are likely to push the wet weather in that direction.

Thanks for your kind 'plug', Taichi.

[taichiperson]

My father comes from Wolverhampton, his version is 'It's black over Bill's mother's'.
PS you can call me TC (it's better than TCP!!)

[gina32]

im from the midlands and ive always said its black over aggies!

[8733mags]

For the older readers, Ray Moore (Radio 2 DJ early mornings in 70's and 80's) used the phrase and believed it was of Midland origin. He used it when looking out of his studio window at the weather...great guy