NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Have you heard the saying, “In like a lion and out like a lamb?” The phrase has both meteorological and astronomical roots.
March is a transition month from winter to spring. The saying suggests:
- March begins stormy and cold — like a roaring lion
- March ends mild and gentle — like a soft lamb
In many parts of the United States, especially in places like Tennessee, early March can still feel wintry with strong winds, sharp temperature swings and an active storm track. By late March, milder air and longer days often bring early signs of spring.
This year, however, we’re starting March with a bright and mild pattern — a bit of an exception to the norm.
Origins
One possible origin of the phrase points to the constellations. Some folklore historians and references indicate in ancient times, Leo the Lion was prominent in the late winter sky, while Aries — the Ram, often symbolically linked to a lamb — became associated with early spring…