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

See Examples For:

whistle for

“It was basically a dog whistle for the city or vice to shut down what you’re doing.”

From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2026

No wonder Arteta joined his players on the pitch after the final whistle for a raucous celebration in front of the jubilant Arsenal fans.

From Barron's ● Feb. 22, 2026

The referee said that as he blew the whistle for full time, the maroon of Gala were cheering but he saw "the green of Hawick just slink to the ground".

From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2023

You can get a shockingly loud emergency whistle for just a few dollars.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2023

Harry heard Bagman’s whistle for the second time.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling

Related Words

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