ENGLISH
REFERENCE

whistle in the wind

idiom
Meaning

To attempt something that is futile; to say something that is not heeded.


Examples
SIMPLE

Asking him to change his mind is just whistling in the wind.

CONTEXTUAL

The activists knew their protest was whistling in the wind, but they continued to speak out anyway.

COMPLEX

The politician's desperate plea for unity was merely whistling in the wind, as the divided assembly refused to listen to his arguments.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as the wind blows

    According to any given circumstances.

  2. 02

    bells and whistles

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

  3. 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.

  4. 04

    break wind

    To expel gases generated during digestion, especially through the anus; to fart.

  5. 05

    candle in the wind

    A fragile or vulnerable thing, likely to be put in jeopardy.

  6. 06

    clean as a whistle

    Very clean.

  7. 07

    finger to the wind

    An attention to or focus on or awareness of current or prevailing trends, public opinion, or shifting circumstances.

  8. 08

    four sheets to the wind

    Extremely drunk.

Last updated April 17, 2026