whistle Dixie

Idioms  

1. Engage in unrealistic, hopeful fantasizing, as in If you think you can drive there in two hours, you're whistling Dixie. This idiom alludes to the song “Dixie” and the vain hope that the Confederacy, known as Dixie, would win the Civil War.

---

Example Sentences

He also gave a terse answer when asked whether the case might affect his own future with the Bears, telling a reporter to "whistle Dixie."

From New York Times

He began to whistle 'Dixie' and oil his pistols.

From Project Gutenberg

We would be satisfied with a method that made every presumptive carcinogen sit up and whistle Dixie.

From Time Magazine Archive

Though Advance Australia Fair is now the official tune, some sour Australians would just as soon whistle Dixie.

From Time Magazine Archive

Said Russell: "I'll vote to gag the Senate when shrimps start to whistle Dixie."

From Time Magazine Archive