not (just) whistling Dixie

not (just) whistling Dixie

slang Having a realistic or honest view of something, as opposed to an overly optimistic one. "Dixie" was a song popular among Confederate soldiers during the US Civil War and became associated with continuing to hope for the success of a lost cause. It sounds like they really are going to give everyone a raise. You weren't just whistling Dixie, Bob!

See also: Dixie, not, whistle

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

not just whistling Dixie

Rur. not talking nonsense. (Alludes to a song titled "Dixie.") Man, you are right! You're not just whistling Dixie. When you say she is wrong, you're not just whistling Dixie.

See also: Dixie, just, not, whistle

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

not just whistling Dixie

(...ˈdɪksi)

tv. not talking nonsense. (Folksy. Refers to a song titled Dixie.) Man, you are right! You’re not just whistling Dixie.

See also: Dixie, just, not, whistle

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.