make pigs and whistles of
To ruin (something); to make a severe mess of (something).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He made pigs and whistles of the kitchen while cooking dinner.”
“The new manager made pigs and whistles of the project by ignoring the team's advice and changing the schedule.”
“Despite his extensive experience, the architect made pigs and whistles of the structural design, leading to significant delays and budget overruns.”
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absence makes the heart grow fonder
One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.
- 02
bells and whistles
Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features.
- 03
blow the whistle
To disclose information to the public or to appropriate authorities concerning the illegal or socially harmful actions of a person or group, especially a corporation or government agency.
- 04
cannot make it
Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.
- 05
clean as a whistle
Very clean.
- 06
couldn't stop a pig in a passage
To be bow-legged.
- 07
doctors make the worst patients
It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.
- 08
enough to make a cat laugh
Very outlandish or outrageous.
Last updated August 10, 2026