How to Pronounce "whistle past the graveyard"
expression
WISS-uhl PAST thuh GRAYV-yard
WISS-uhl PAHST thuh GRAYV-yaad
Definition
To pretend that everything is fine or act brave when you are actually scared or worried, often to avoid facing your fears.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈhwɪsəɫ/, /ˈwɪsəɫ/ /ˈpæst/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɡɹeɪvˌjɑɹd
British English
wˈɪsəl/ /pˈɑːst/ /ðə, ði/ /ɡɹˈeɪvjɑːd
Simplified Pronunciation
US
WISS-uhl PAST thuh GRAYV-yard
UK
WISS-uhl PAHST thuh GRAYV-yaad
Listen in Context
He tried to whistle past the graveyard, but everyone could see he was nervous.
People sometimes whistle past the graveyard when dealing with bad news.
When he heard about the layoffs, he just whistled past the graveyard.
I know I'm just whistling past the graveyard, but I really hope things will get better soon.