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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QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!

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Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

affect

effect

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Words nearby whistle in the dark

whist drive, whistle, whistleblower, whistle Dixie, whistle for, whistle in the dark, whistle pig, whistler, Whistler, James, Whistler's Mother, whistle stop

How to use whistle in the dark in a sentence

France 24 is providing live, round-the-clock coverage of both scenes as they progress.
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Sands was involved in a scandalous-for-the-time romance with the carpenter and there were rumors she was pregnant with his child.
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Three on-the-record stories from a family: a mother and her daughters who came from Phoenix.
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He wore white gloves, a dignified long black coat, and matching pants and vest, and he carried a dark walking stick.
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I thought about the mother, her fear of the dark, of the harm she feared might come to her daughters.
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Sleek finds it far harder work than fortune-making; but he pursues his Will-o'-the-Wisp with untiring energy.
The Pit Town Coronet, Volume I (of 3)|Charles James Wills
Ripperda's eye fell upon the mantle,—it was discoloured a dark red in many places, he nodded his head, and the man withdrew.
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He glanced aside, and saw an exceedingly pretty, dark face, which looked vaguely familiar.
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Down in his galleries and chambers where it was dark as a pocket Grandfather Mole enjoyed himself thoroughly.
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Such throats are trying, are they not?In case one catches cold; Ah, yes!
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