whistle for

verb

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

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.

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Did they whet your whistle for the book?

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

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The public needs to be reminded of what DEI actually is, rather than allowing Republicans to continue to use it as a dog whistle for unchecked racism and bias.

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He often distinguishes himself as someone who sticks up for neighborhood identity — what some consider a dog whistle for “NIMBYism,” a colloquial term for opposition to large multifamily housing projects or other unwelcome development.

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Related Words

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