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]
whistle in the dark
| Idioms: whistle in the dark |
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 | dark (Idiom) |
| whistle (Idiom) |
| Seven Whistlers |
 | How do you whistle with hands? Read answer... |
| Can anybody whistle? Read answer... |
| Can beavers whistle? Read answer... |
Help us answer these
 | What kind of creature in backyard communicates after dark with a soft whistling sound? |
| Was Murphy play Whistle in the Dark ever filmed? |
| What does a whistle do? |
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Copyrights:
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 | Idioms. The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. Read more |
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Mentioned in
- dark (Idiom)
- whistle (Idiom)
- Seven Whistlers
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