How Do You Spell WHISTLE FOR?

Pronunciation: [wˈɪsə͡l fɔː] (IPA)

The phrase "whistle for" is typically pronounced /ˈwɪsl fər/. The spelling of this word can be broken down into two parts. "Whistle" is spelled with a "wh" at the beginning, representing the /w/ sound followed by the /ɪ/ sound represented by the "i". "For" is spelled with an "o" to represent the /ɔ/ sound and an "r" at the end to represent the /r/ sound. Together, "whistle for" means to produce a brief, shrill sound by blowing air through pursed lips to signal or get someone's attention.

WHISTLE FOR Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "whistle for" is an idiomatic expression that means to hope or wait for something in vain, usually implying that the desired outcome or object is highly unlikely or impossible to obtain. It suggests that the person or entity expecting or wishing for the result will be disappointed or left empty-handed.

   This idiomatic phrase is derived from the action of whistling as a way of calling someone or something. When someone is said to be "whistling for" something, it implies that they are attempting to attract or summon it by whistling, indicating their strong desire or need for it. However, since whistling is often used to call animals, and not particularly effective in summoning people or objects, the expression "whistle for" has come to connote a futile or fruitless endeavor.

   For instance, if someone is waiting for a promotion that they believe is imminent but does not receive it, we might say they are "whistling for a promotion," indicating that their expectation was unrealistic and unfulfilled. Similarly, if a person is hoping to win an impossible bet or receive a favor from an unresponsive or uncooperative individual, it can be said that they are "whistling for" the desired outcome.

Common Misspellings for WHISTLE FOR

• qhistle for
• ahistle for
• shistle for
• ehistle for
• 3histle for
• 2histle for
• wgistle for
• wbistle for
• wnistle for
• wjistle for
• wuistle for
• wyistle for
• whustle for
• whjstle for
• whkstle for
• whostle for
• wh9stle for
• wh8stle for
• whiatle for
• whiztle for

Etymology of WHISTLE FOR

The phrase "whistle for" originates from the Middle English word "whistlen" which means "to make a high-pitched sound by blowing air through the lips or a small instrument". Whistling has long been used as a means of communication, signaling, or attracting attention.

The word "for" in this phrase simply denotes the purpose or intended recipient of the whistle. So, when someone says to "whistle for" something or someone, they are calling or summoning that particular thing or person using a whistle. Over time, this phrase has come to indicate a demand or expectation for something that may be difficult or impossible to obtain.

Idioms with the word WHISTLE FOR

• whistle for sm or sth The idiom "whistle for someone or something" means to not receive or have any hope of getting someone or something desired. It implies that the person or thing is not available or not willing to comply. It often signifies a situation where one cannot or should not expect the desired outcome.
• you, etc. can whistle for it The idiom "you can whistle for it" means that someone will not be able to get or achieve what they desire, often used to express denial or refusal. It conveys the idea that the desired outcome is unlikely or impossible, and that the person may have to wait indefinitely or give up hope altogether.
• can (just) whistle for (something) The idiom "can (just) whistle for (something)" means that someone can forget about getting or receiving something they were hoping or expecting. It suggests that the person has little to no chance of obtaining the desired thing or outcome.
• can (just) whistle for sth The idiom "can (just) whistle for sth" means that someone will not receive or get what they want or expect, and they are unlikely to attain it no matter how much they may ask or demand. It implies that one can hope or wish for something, but it is highly unlikely to be fulfilled or granted.
• can whistle for The idiom "can whistle for" means to have no hope or expectation of getting something or receiving support from someone. It suggests that the person or thing being referred to is unlikely to be obtained or achieved.
• He/She/They can whistle for it! The idiom "He/She/They can whistle for it!" means that someone will not receive what they are asking or hoping for, regardless of how much they want it or how persistent they are. It implies that the person's desired outcome is unlikely to be fulfilled or granted.
• (one) can whistle for it The idiom "(one) can whistle for it" is used to express that someone can forget about obtaining or receiving something they desire, as it is highly unlikely or unrealistic to expect or acquire it. It implies that the person will not easily attain their desired outcome or result.
• whistle for To ask for something in a way that is unlikely to be successful or fruitful; to expect something that is never going to happen.