whistle (redirected from whistled in the dark)

be as clean as a whistle

1. if someone is as clean as a whistle, they are not involved in anything illegal. He hasn't got a criminal record - he's clean as a whistle.

2. to be very clean. The café's as clean as a whistle, and the food's excellent.

See also: clean

be whistling Dixie (American, informal)

to talk in a way that makes things seem better than they really are. We're really making money these days and I'm not just whistling Dixie. (usually negative)

be whistling in the dark

to be confident that something good will happen when it is not at all likely. She seems pretty sure she'll win the title, but she may just be whistling in the dark.

See also: dark

bells and whistles

the things that something, especially a device or machine, has or does that are not necessary but that make it more exciting or interesting. Your computer software may have all the latest bells and whistles, but is it good value for money?

See also: bell

blow the whistle on someone/something

to tell someone in authority about something bad that is happening so that it can be stopped. He was dismissed when he tried to blow the whistle on the safety problems at the factory. The kids are encouraged to blow the whistle on any of their friends who are using drugs.

See also: blow

He/She/They can whistle for it! (old-fashioned)

something that you say which means you are determined that someone will not get what they want. If they want money, they can whistle for it. They're not getting a penny out of me!

See also: can, she

wet your whistle (old-fashioned)

to have a drink, especially an alcoholic drink. You must be thirsty after all that work - would you care to wet your whistle?

See also: wet

a whistle-blower

blow the whistle on someone/something - to tell someone in authority about something bad that is happening so that it can be stopped. Every organization needs a whistle-blower, someone who can stand up and say, 'Hey, you can't do that!'

a whistle-stop tour

a very quick visit to several places. Coach loads of tourists come for whistle-stop tours of the main European cities. (often + of)

See also: tour

a wolf whistle

a whistle (= high sound that is made by blowing air through the lips) that some men do when they see a woman who is sexually attractive. She'll get a few wolf whistles if she walks through town in those shorts.

See also: wolf

wolf-whistle someone (British & Australian)

a wolf whistle - a whistle (= high sound that is made by blowing air through the lips) that some men do when they see a woman who is sexually attractive. I was wolf-whistled by a group of builders as I crossed the street.

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blow the whistle (on someone/something)

to show to the public dangerous conditions or illegal activities. I knew my company was polluting the water, but I was afraid I would lose my job if I blew the whistle on it.

Usage notes: usually something bad is shown in the hope of correcting it

See also: blow

whistling in the dark

to be confident about something although you have no good reason to be confident. He wasn't very sure of his chances at the time — he was really just whistling in the dark, hoping to get some support.

See also: dark