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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.
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.
whistle in the dark, to. 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.”.
Dec 25, 2023 · Whistling in the dark implies a sense of optimism and resilience, where the protagonist chooses to focus on the positive aspects of life rather than dwelling on negativity. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo perfectly complement the playful and thought-provoking lyrics.
be whistling in the dark. To be sure of a particular outcome when all evidence points to the contrary. Based on the polls, he's whistling in the dark if he thinks he's going to unseat the incumbent.
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.
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.”.
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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.
In Whistling in the Dark: a doubter’s dictionary, Frederick Buechner casts a spiritual eye over the varied terrain of our everyday language. The third installment of his much-loved lexical trilogy, Whistling in the Dark pauses to consider ‘just plain words’.
