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.



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See Also

A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs