To Whistle for It (Origin)

What Is the Origin of the Saying "To Whistle for It"?

The term to whistle for it means to ask for something with little chance of obtaining it. The term derives from when sail ships were stuck at sea with no wind to fill their sails. In such conditions, sailors would whistle in attempt to summon a wind. Somewhat unsurprisingly, this made little difference to wind conditions.

Test Your Knowledge of English Proverbs and Idioms

Interactive Exercise

Here are three randomly selected questions from a larger exercise, which can be edited, printed to create an exercise worksheet, or sent via email to friends or students.

Help Us To Improve Grammar Monster

Do you disagree with something on this page?
Did you spot a typo?

Please tell us using this form.

Teach Your Language Online
(with Preply)

Our partner, Preply, has thousands of students of many languages looking for online language tuition.

Preply is currently prioritizing the following languages:

If you are a qualified tutor of your native language and passionate about teaching, you can apply to join Preply's team of online tutors.

Technical Help

Download a modern grammar
checker

Download Grammarly's browser extension.

It will help with:

(1) Avoiding spelling errors
(2) Correcting grammar errors
(3) Finding better words.

(The Grammarly extension works with webmail, social media, and texting apps as well as online forms and Microsoft Office documents like Word.)

Self Help

Buy a grammar book written by Craig Shrives

"Smashing Grammar"
Written by the founder of Grammar Monster, "Smashing Grammar" includes a glossary of grammar essentials (from apostrophes to zeugma) and a chapter on easily confused words (from affect/effect to whether/if). Each entry starts with a simple explanation and basic examples before moving to real-life, entertaining examples. All entries conclude with a section highlighting why the grammar point is relevant for a writer and top-level bullet points summarizing the entry. If you like Grammar Monster, you'll love this book. [More�]

"Grammar for Grown-ups"
Vocational rather than academic, "Grammar for Grown-ups" is packed with real-life examples and keeps you engaged with a wealth of great quotations from Homer the Greek to Homer the Simpson. Straight talking and methodical, Craig Shrives draws on his years compiling Grammar Monster and as an army officer to present a comprehensive but light-hearted and easily digestible grammar reference guide. [More�]

Download audio books with an Amazon "Audible" account

"Audible" is an Amazon platform for downloading audiobooks. I use it when relaxing, commuting, and driving.

"Audible" gives access to thousands of books from the classics to latest best sellers.

It gives you instant access to the world's best storytellers and thinkers across all genres and topics.