Idioms for whistle

Origin of whistle

before 950; (v.) Middle English whistlen, Old English hwistlian; akin to Old Norse hvīsla to whistle, hviskra to whisper; see whine; (noun) Middle English; Old English hwistle instrument, akin to the v.

OTHER WORDS FROM whistle

whis·tle·a·ble, adjective in·ter·whis·tle, verb (used with object), in·ter·whis·tled, in·ter·whis·tling. un·whis·tled, adjective

British Dictionary definitions for whistle in the dark

whistle
/ (ˈwɪsəl) /

verb

noun

Word Origin for whistle

Old English hwistlian; related to Old Norse hvīsla

Idioms and Phrases with whistle in the dark (1 of 2)

whistle in the dark

Summon up courage in a frightening situation, make a show of bravery. For example, They knew they were lost and were just whistling in the dark. This expression alludes to a literal attempt to keep up one's courage. [First half of 1900s]

Idioms and Phrases with whistle in the dark (2 of 2)

whistle