Why is the answer following but not pursuing?

[Halmas]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #85 "Simple Present (2)", question 9

Naturally he had his umbrella with him and a heavy coat ......... that aphorism his mother always used: "Never cast a clout (remove an article of clothing) before May is out."

(a) pursuing
(b) chasing
(c) running after
(d) following

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #85 "Simple Present (2)", answer 9

Naturally he had his umbrella with him and a heavy coat following that aphorism his mother always used: "Never cast a clout (remove an article of clothing) before May is out."

Correct answer: (d) following

Your answer was: incorrect
Naturally he had his umbrella with him and a heavy coat pursuing that aphorism his mother always used: "Never cast a clout (remove an article of clothing) before May is out."
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why is the answer following but not pursuing?

Halmas

[Alan]

Hi Halmas,

You asked:

[Thunu]

Hello Teachers

Can you explain the phrase "remove an article of nothing before May is out"?

Is it an idiom?

Thank you
_________________
Reach an agreement as ploughing, don't let argument happen at crops.

[Frank Stern]

Hi Thuru:
I'm not an English teacher, but I will try to help you. In fact the phrase is this one:
"Never cast a clout before May is out" . Which comes from this other one:
"Never cast a clout 'till May is out". And as Alan Wrote: Cast a clout = remove an article of clothing.Notice clot comes from clothing.
Because January, February, March and sometime April are very cold months; but even May could be cold (at leat some days), it is advisable Never cast a clout (that means never to remove any cloth) untill May is out.
Regards