whistle for: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, chiefly British English
Quick answer
What does “whistle for” mean?
To expect something in vain.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To expect something in vain; to ask for something without any realistic hope of getting it.
To demand or call for something, often a payment or outcome, that will not be forthcoming.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This phrasal verb is predominantly British. The concept is expressed differently in American English, usually with idioms like 'you can forget about it' or 'you'll be waiting a long time'.
Connotations
In British usage, it implies a dismissive or resigned attitude. The speaker suggests the effort is pointless.
Frequency
Moderately common in UK informal speech; rare to nonexistent in general American usage.
Grammar
How to Use “whistle for” in a Sentence
[Subject] can whistle for [object][Subject] will have to whistle for [object]You can whistle for [object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whistle for” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- If he wants his tools back, he can whistle for them.
- The company told the strikers they could whistle for a pay rise.
American English
- If he wants a favour, he can just whistle. (Note: US usage drops the 'for' in this construction)
- They said we could whistle for our investment returns. (Understood but rare)
adjective
British English
- It was a whistle-for-it situation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to indicate that an expected payment or deal will not happen. 'If they don't sign the contract today, they can whistle for that discount.'
Academic
Rarely used; considered too informal.
Everyday
Used in informal conversation to express that someone won't get what they want. 'If he thinks I'm cooking dinner after that comment, he can whistle for it.'
Technical
Not used in technical registers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whistle for”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it in American English contexts where it is unfamiliar.
- Incorrect structure: 'He whistled for the money' (implies he literally whistled). The correct form is usually 'He can whistle for the money'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost exclusively a British and Irish English idiom. Americans would use phrases like 'forget about it' or 'you'll be waiting forever'.
No, it is exclusively used to convey futility and the fact that something will not be granted or received.
It is most commonly used in the pattern: [Person] can/must/will have to whistle for [something]. The modal verb (can, will have to) is essential to convey the idiomatic meaning.
No, they are different. 'Whistle in the dark' means to pretend to be brave in a scary situation. 'Whistle for' is about futile expectation.
To expect something in vain.
Whistle for is usually informal, chiefly british english in register.
Whistle for: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɪsəl fɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɪsəl fɔr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “You can whistle for it!”
- “They'll be whistling in the wind.”
- “He can whistle for his money.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone literally whistling to call a dog that never comes—they are 'whistling for' a dog that will never arrive. The action is futile.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOPE IS A SUMMONS/CALL (that goes unanswered). FUTILITY IS AN UNHEEDED SIGNAL.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'whistle for' most appropriately used?