whistle in the dark
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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]
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Words nearby whistle in the dark
whist drive, whistle, whistleblower, whistle Dixie, whistle for, whistle in the dark, whistle past the graveyard, whistle pig, whistler, Whistler, James, Whistler's Mother
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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