whistle in the dark
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, whistle-blower, whistle Dixie, whistle for, whistle in the dark, whistle pig, whistler, Whistler, James, Whistler's Mother, whistle stop
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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