ENGLISH
REFERENCE

whips and jingles

idiom
Meaning

A state of torturous delirium, particularly delirium tremens.


Examples
SIMPLE

The patient is suffering from the whips and jingles.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of heavy drinking, he began to experience the terrifying whips and jingles.

COMPLEX

The physician noted that the patient's hallucinations and tremors were classic symptoms of the whips and jingles, requiring immediate medical intervention.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    fair crack of the whip

    Let's have an equitable attempt, match, or process. Used as an appeal for reasonableness.

  2. 02

    pencil whip

    To approve a document without actually knowing or reviewing what it is that is being approved.

  3. 03

    smart as a whip

    Very intelligent.

  4. 04

    whip hand

    An advantage over another; the dominant position.

  5. 05

    whip into shape

    To exert considerable effort to change something or someone into a desired state.

  6. 06

    whip the cat

    To attempt to get work or money from someone who is too weak or poor to provide it.

  7. 07

    whip through

    To do something extremely quickly and perfunctorily.

  8. 08

    whip up a storm

    To cause an uproar or controversy.

Last updated April 17, 2026