ENGLISH
REFERENCE

whistle in the dark

idiom
Meaning

To speak of something despite having little knowledge of it.


Examples
SIMPLE

He is just whistling in the dark about the new project.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager tried to explain the complex tax laws, but he was clearly whistling in the dark.

COMPLEX

Without any formal training in economics, the pundit spent the entire broadcast whistling in the dark regarding the causes of the market crash.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bells and whistles

    Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features.

  2. 02

    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.

  3. 03

    clean as a whistle

    Very clean.

  4. 04

    dark cloud

    A situation or future event that causes worry, problems or unhappiness, likened to such a cloud overhead in the sky.

  5. 05

    dark horse

    Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others.

  6. 06

    look on the dark side

    To examine a situation, usually unfavorable, from a negative perspective; to be pessimistic or miserable.

  7. 07

    make pigs and whistles of

    To ruin (something); to make a severe mess of (something).

  8. 08

    not worth a whistle

    Worthless or pointless.

Last updated April 17, 2026