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Who was Bill's mother?

There is a widespread saying: "It's looking black over Bill's mother's." It means that rain is on the way. But where did the expression come from?

6 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favourite answer

    It derived from Nottingham...

    Ah! I found it! It came from a Nursery Rhyme...

    Hurricane Bill, that ‘twas its name, It brewed up dark and stormy, And as he watched the weather charts It put the wind up Normy. ‘Tie down your kids’ in vain he cried, But not because of weather, They were getting on his nerves, Bikes racing hell for leather. ‘Advise your wives’ he shouted out, To wear something less floating, The wind will catch her fair and square, And flight times we’ll be quoting.’ ‘Take down your flags and lower your masts, Whatever be their colour. Turn off your fairy lights and lamps, Sure life will be much duller.’ ‘For we must ride this great storm out, And all come through the weather, ‘Cause when you camp at Lower Treave, We’re all in it together!’ ‘But wait’ cried Norm, ‘the chart is wrong, This weather’s for another, This hurricane won’t come to us, It’s going to Bill’s Mother!’ Hence the saying ‘It’s looking black over Bill’s Mother’s!

  • Lily
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Hi, I too have never heard that particular saying I thought it went "black over world's mother's." I suppose it could be a regional saying.

  • 1 decade ago

    I always thought that it was Will's mothers'.I assumed that Will was the one everyone had to shoot at,too.

  • 1 decade ago

    Never heard this one but think MalibuSt... has give us all the answer.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    i am bill's mother. it's looking back.and black.

  • 1 decade ago

    sorry spiderman,this is a new one for me so I will be interested to know the answer.

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