proverb · Source-linked selection
When the wind's in the south It's in the rain's mouth.
When the wind's in the south It's in the rain's mouth.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying places a south wind at the opening of rain. The rain’s mouth gives an approaching condition a personified entry point.
What the words are saying
The directional sign is made part of rain’s arrival. It can offer a memorable picture of weather coming toward an observer. The explanation does not establish the relationship for a specific place or give a time when rain will begin. A useful interpretation identifies the image and claimed sign without using them as a forecast.
Everyday example
A reader notices the arrival image while consulting separate information for a planned outdoor activity.
When to use it
Use it to discuss a personified wind-and-rain sign.
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What it does not mean
This is not a verified prediction of rain.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 1788 · Wind (south)
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English