To comfort yourself via distraction when you cannot avoid a frightening situation.
While her mother was in surgery, Norma tried to remember all the state capitals. It was her way of whistling in the dark.
33👍 9👎
To fear the worst and hope for the best.
"The mayor'll call...he's got to!"
"You're just whistling in the dark, Larry The Baby Killer."
17👍 7👎