whistle for

British  

verb

1. informal (intr, preposition) to seek or expect in vain

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whistle for Idioms  

1. Ask for or expect without any prospect of success, as in If you want a cash refund, you can just whistle for it. [Mid-1700s]

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Example Sentences

But seniority is a major factor in determining which officials get the whistle for a playoff game, meaning that a more experienced referee could earn the nod over a less seasoned one, regardless of which one did better during the regular season.

From The Wall Street Journal

Travelling Magpies fans were due to be held back inside the stadium after the final whistle for a period of up to one hour for their own safety.

From BBC

Did they whet your whistle for the book?

From Los Angeles Times

Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool's Curtis Jones were sent off after the final whistle for second yellow cards.

From BBC

But the goal didn’t count because the referee blew the whistle for the offside without letting the play be completed.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• appeal
• challenge
• claim
• expect
• force
• order
• press
• question
• request
• require
• stipulate
• urge