How Do You Spell BLOW THE WHISTLE ON?

Pronunciation: [blˈə͡ʊ ðə wˈɪsə͡l ˈɒn] (IPA)

The phrase "blow the whistle on" means to report or expose wrongdoing. The spelling of "blow" is straightforward, pronounced as /bloʊ/. However, the word "whistle" can be tricky as it is spelled with a "wh" but pronounced as /wɪsəl/. The spelling of "whistle" originated from the Old English word "hwistle." The phrase's meaning relies on the imagery of blowing a whistle to attract attention to a wrongdoing, and the spelling adds to its impactful and memorable nature.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Idioms
Basic Check Advanced Check

BLOW THE WHISTLE ON Meaning and Definition

  1. To "blow the whistle on" refers to the act of revealing or disclosing an illegal or unethical activity, often with the intention of exposing wrongdoing or raising awareness. It can encompass various situations, such as within organizations, government entities, or any context where misconduct, fraud, or corruption may be occurring.

    This idiomatic expression originated from sports, particularly in soccer or football, where referees use a whistle to stop play and signal a foul or infringement. The metaphorical use of blowing the whistle denotes the act of alerting authorities or the public to misconduct, similar to how a referee stops the game to enforce rules.

    Typically, when someone "blows the whistle on" an individual or an organization, they reveal confidential or sensitive information that sheds light on illegal or unscrupulous practices. This can include fraud, embezzlement, safety violations, discrimination, or any activity contravening the laws, regulations, or ethical standards governing a particular field or industry.

    Blowing the whistle often carries a connotation of bravery, as it may involve personal risk or reprisal from those involved in the wrongdoing. Whistleblowers, individuals who come forward to expose the truth, play a vital role in safeguarding public interest, promoting transparency, and holding wrongdoers accountable.

Common Misspellings for BLOW THE WHISTLE ON

  • blow the whistle oo
  • b low the whistle on
  • bl ow the whistle on
  • blo w the whistle on
  • blow t he whistle on
  • blow th e whistle on
  • blow the w histle on
  • blow the wh istle on
  • blow the whi stle on
  • blow the whis tle on
  • blow the whist le on
  • blow the whistl e on
  • blow the whistle o n

Idioms with the word BLOW THE WHISTLE ON

  • blow the whistle on somebody/something The idiom "blow the whistle on somebody/something" refers to the act of reporting or exposing someone's wrongdoing or revealing information about a secret or illegal activity. It involves bringing attention to misconduct or unethical behavior, often with the intention of preventing further harm or seeking justice.
  • blow the whistle on sb/sth The idiom "blow the whistle on sb/sth" means to expose or report someone or something's wrongdoing or misconduct, typically to someone in authority, in order to bring attention to the issue and stop the misconduct from continuing.
  • blow the whistle on someone/something The idiom "blow the whistle on someone/something" means to expose or reveal illegal or unethical activities or wrongdoing carried out by someone or an organization. It implies bringing attention to these activities in an attempt to stop or prevent them and often involves reporting them to the appropriate authorities.
  • blow the whistle on To expose someone's wrongdoing or misconduct, usually by informing on them or reporting them to the authorities.