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whistling in the dark. phrase [VERB inflects] If you say that someone is whistling in the dark, you mean that they are trying to remain brave and convince themselves that the situation is not as bad as it seems. I waited, trying not to feel as if I were whistling in the dark. See full dictionary entry for whistle.
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]
In terms of usage, “whistle in the dark” can be applied to situations where someone tries to remain hopeful despite not having any real reason to do so. For example, if a student fails an exam but still believes they passed, someone might say they’re just whistling in the dark.
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]
be whistling in the dark. 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.
"Whistle in the dark" is an English idiom. It means "to pretend to be brave or confident in the face of fear or uncertainty." Examples in Sentences. Here are three examples of the idiom "whistle in the dark" used in a sentence: She was whistling in the dark as she walked through the haunted house.
