whistle up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Idiomatic/Phrasal Verb)Informal, somewhat colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “whistle up” mean?
To summon or procure something quickly, often with effort or resourcefulness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To summon or procure something quickly, often with effort or resourcefulness.
Can imply conjuring or producing something from limited resources, or to signal for someone/something to come.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in British English, but understood in both. In American English, 'rustle up' is a close equivalent for procuring food.
Connotations
UK: Can suggest resourcefulness, sometimes with a rural or military nuance. US: May sound slightly old-fashioned or literary.
Frequency
Infrequent in formal writing in both varieties; primarily spoken or narrative.
Grammar
How to Use “whistle up” in a Sentence
[Subject] whistle up [Direct Object][Subject] whistle [Direct Object] upVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whistle up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manager had to whistle up a replacement goalkeeper at short notice.
- Can you whistle up a couple of volunteers for the clean-up?
American English
- He whistled up some coffee and sandwiches for the meeting.
- The rancher whistled up his horse from the far pasture.
adverb
British English
- N/A for phrasal verb.
American English
- N/A for phrasal verb.
adjective
British English
- N/A for phrasal verb.
American English
- N/A for phrasal verb.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly 'We need to whistle up some investor interest quickly.'
Academic
Very rare, except in literary analysis.
Everyday
Informal. 'I'll try to whistle up a few friends for the game.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whistle up”
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
- Incorrect object placement, e.g., 'whistle up it' (should be 'whistle it up').
- Confusing with 'whistle for' (which can mean to wish in vain for).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can say 'whistle up some help' or 'whistle some help up'.
Yes, e.g., 'whistle up enthusiasm', 'whistle up courage'.
They are very similar. 'Rustle up' is more specifically associated with food or basic necessities, while 'whistle up' can apply more broadly to people, services, or abstract things.
No, it's entirely metaphorical. It comes from the idea of summoning with a whistle (e.g., for a dog or taxi), but the action is now general.
To summon or procure something quickly, often with effort or resourcefulness.
Whistle up is usually informal, somewhat colloquial. in register.
Whistle up: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɪs.əl ʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɪs.əl ʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “whistle up a storm”
- “whistle up the wind”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a shepherd whistling to summon their dog from over the hill – they are 'whistling it up'.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUMMONING IS PRODUCING A SOUND COMMAND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'whistle up' LEAST appropriate?