The phrase "blows whistle on" means to publicly reveal something that was previously hidden or kept secret. The phonetic transcription of this phrase is /bləʊz ˈwɪsl ɒn/ . The spelling of "blows" represents the pronunciation of the vowel sound /əʊ/ in the British English, while the pronunciation of "whistle" shows the sound of /wɪsl/. The preposition "on" is pronounced as /ɒn/ in British English. This phrase is commonly used in journalism when someone exposes wrongdoing or unethical behavior.
To "blow the whistle on" someone or something is an idiomatic expression that means to expose or reveal wrongdoings, misconduct, or illegal activities typically within an organization. This phrase is often used when an individual decides to report or make public the unethical actions or behaviors they have witnessed or been involved in.
When someone blows the whistle, they act as a whistleblower, bringing attention to incidents that may involve fraud, corruption, danger, or any violation of rules or regulations. Whistleblowing can occur in various contexts, such as in the workplace, government agencies, public institutions, or even in sports.
By blowing the whistle, an individual risks potential consequences like retaliation, damage to their reputation, or even legal action. However, this action is often seen as courageous and noble, as it helps to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability.
Blowing the whistle can lead to investigations, legal proceedings, or internal changes within an organization. The information provided by whistleblowers is usually intended to shed light on the misconduct or illegal actions that might harm others or go against ethical standards.
Overall, "blows the whistle on" refers to the act of exposing and alerting others to inappropriate behavior, illegal practices, or any transgressions that need to be addressed, in order to protect the well-being and integrity of individuals or organizations involved.