ALL meanings of blow the whistle on
blow the whis·tle on
B b - verb without object blow the whistle on to make a clear musical sound, a series of such sounds, or a high-pitched, warbling sound by the forcible expulsion of the breath through a small opening formed by contracting the lips, or through the teeth, with the aid of the tongue. 1
- verb without object blow the whistle on to make such a sound or series of sounds otherwise, as by blowing on some device. 1
- verb without object blow the whistle on to emit similar sounds from the mouth, as birds do. 1
- verb without object blow the whistle on (of a device) to produce a similar sound when actuated by steam or the like: This teakettle whistles when it boils. 1
- verb without object blow the whistle on to move, go, pass, etc., with a whistling or whizzing sound, as a bullet or the wind. 1
- verb with object blow the whistle on to produce by whistling: to whistle a tune. 1
- verb with object blow the whistle on to call, direct, or signal by or as by whistling: He whistled his dog over. 1
- verb with object blow the whistle on to send with a whistling or whizzing sound. 1
- noun blow the whistle on an instrument for producing whistling sounds by means of the breath, steam, etc., as a small wooden or tin tube, a pipe, or a similar device with an air chamber containing a small ball that oscillates when air is forced through an opening, producing a high-pitched, warbling tone. 1
- noun blow the whistle on a sound produced by whistling: a prolonged whistle of astonishment. 1
- noun blow the whistle on a simple fipple flute. 1
- idioms blow the whistle on blow the whistle, to expose the existence of mischief or wrongdoing: The agent was taking bribes until someone finally blew the whistle. 1
- idioms blow the whistle on blow the whistle on, to bring a stop to; halt: Congress has blown the whistle on all unnecessary expenditures for the program. to expose (wrongdoing or wrongdoers): to blow the whistle on corruption in high places. 1
- idioms blow the whistle on wet one's whistle, Informal. to take a drink. 1
- idioms blow the whistle on whistle in the dark, to attempt to summon up one's courage or optimism in a difficult situation: He says his business will improve next year, but he's probably just whistling in the dark. 1