Pine cones open up when good weather is coming.
Pine cones open up when good weather is coming.
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes opening pine cones a sign of good weather coming. It treats a visible change as a forecast.
Example
A reader separates the cone’s observed state from the claim about future weather.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The checked Met Office account connects opening cones with dry conditions and closing with damp conditions. That explains an observation rather than guaranteeing the weather ahead. Good is not defined in the saying, and the supplied seed-dispersal account is not independently adopted here.
When to use it
Use it to discuss the distinction between a present condition and a forecast.
Keep in mind
The observed opening does not guarantee a future spell of good weather.
References for this reading
- Reference: weather.metoffice.gov.uk ↗
The pine-cone discussion connects opening with dry conditions and closing with damp conditions, distinct from guaranteeing future weather.
Section: Pine cones open when good weather is on the way
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 621; PDF page 90
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗