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Learn the meaning of the phrase whistling in the dark, which means trying to be brave and ignore a bad situation. See how to use it in sentences from the Collins Corpus and watch a video.
Learn how to use the idiom "whistle in the dark" to describe someone who tries to remain optimistic or hopeful in a difficult situation. Find out its origin, synonyms, antonyms, and cultural insights with practical exercises.
To try to call up one’s courage or hopefulness in a difficult or frightening situation. The literal idea is a very old one, attested to by John Dryden in Amphitryon (1690): “I went darkling, and whistling to keep myself from being afraid.”.
What does the saying 'Whistling in the dark' mean? Idiom: Whistling in the dark. Meaning: If someone is whistling in the dark, they believe in a positive result, even though everybody else is sure it will not happen. Country: International English | Subject Area: Music | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used. Contributor: Richard Flynn.
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]
Jun 2, 2024 · whistle in the dark (third-person singular simple present whistles in the dark, present participle whistling in the dark, simple past and past participle whistled in the dark) To make a show of bravery despite one's fears; to put on a brave face.
If someone is whistling in the dark, they are trying to make themselves feel less afraid. Then I waited, trying not to feel as if I were whistling in the dark, but I experienced no easing of my fear and anxiety. See also: dark, whistle. Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012. See also: be going great guns.
