Question
An old English saying goes, “Never cast a clout until May is out.” Does that refer to the month of May or to May blossoms?
Answer
Ne’er cast a clout ‘til May be out refers to the month. Clout is from an Old English word for cloth or clothing, and the saying was a reminder not to be too quick to shuck the winter woollies before the chilly days of May were over.
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