blow the whistle (on) (someone), to
blow the whistle (on) (someone), to - To give away, to betray. This expression originally (late nineteenth century) meant ending something suddenly, as though by the blast of a whistle, but by the 1930s it had its present meaning. “Now that the whistle had been blown on his speech,” wrote P. G. Wodehouse in 1934 (Right Ho, Jeeves).
Synonyms
- Spill the beans: To reveal secret information unintentionally or indiscreetly.
- Let the cat out of the bag: To reveal a secret carelessly or by mistake.
- Rat out: To betray someone by informing on them.
- Sing like a canary: To confess everything, usually in the context of police interrogation.
- Fink out: To squeal or inform on someone.
Antonyms
- Keep under wraps: To keep something secret or confidential.
- Hold one’s peace: To keep quiet or not to reveal information.
- Button one’s lip: To keep silent, especially when wishing to avoid giving away information.
- Clam up: To refuse to speak or share secrets.
Humorous Quote
“The only whistle I want to hear is the tea kettle’s, not the one blowing up my secrets!”
Related Proverbs
- “Loose lips sink ships” – Be cautious in speaking, especially since unintentional sharing of secrets can cause substantial harm.
- “Do not wash dirty linen in public” – Do not discuss very private, or personal matters, in front of others.
Literature
- Right Ho, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse - Enjoy the full context in this classic work of literature where the phrase is employed.
- The Whistleblower by John Grisham - A thrilling legal novel involving secrets and whistleblowing.
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - In a different context, explore the disruption of secrets in a dystopian society.
Songs
- Blow the Whistle by Too $hort - Dive into how the phrase translates to contemporary music.
- Secret by The Pierces – A melodious dive into the world of carefully guarded truths.
Movies
- The Whistleblower (2010) - Based on a true story, this film revolves around blowing the whistle on heinous activities.
- A Few Good Men (1992) - Dig into the plot of exposing military secrets with memorable “You can’t handle the truth!” moments.
- Silkwood (1983) - Starring Meryl Streep, it narrates the real-life whistleblowing activities regarding unsafe practices in a nuclear facility.
### Which of these phrases means revealing a secret?
- [x] Blow the whistle on
- [ ] Bundle up the facts
- [ ] Dance around the issue
- [ ] Keep the silence
> **Explanation:** "Blow the whistle on" is an idiom that means to reveal a secret or betray someone's mischievous acts.
### Which expression is a synonym of 'blow the whistle'?
- [ ] Hide the elephant
- [x] Spill the beans
- [ ] Paddle in the dark
- [ ] Sow the seeds
> **Explanation:** "Spill the beans" is a synonym for revealing secret information, similar to "blow the whistle."
### What is an antonym for "blow the whistle"?
- [ ] Whistle Dixie
- [x] Keep under wraps
- [ ] Paint the town red
- [ ] Read between the lines
> **Explanation:** "Keep under wraps" means to keep something secret, which is the opposite of "blow the whistle."
### True or False: 'To blow the whistle' originally meant to end something suddenly.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Indeed, "to blow the whistle" originally referred to ending something suddenly, potentially due to the blast of a literal whistle.
### Which book was written by the author noted for its early use of 'to blow the whistle' in the new meaning?
- [ ] The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- [ ] Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
- [x] Right Ho, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse
- [ ] The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
> **Explanation:** "Right Ho, Jeeves" by P.G. Wodehouse includes an early use of "to blow the whistle" in its modern sense.
May your days be secret only in matters of joy and be ready to sound your whistle when truth beckons your voice. 🌟
- I.M. Truthseeker
