(one) can whistle for it
(redirected from he can whistle for it)(one) can whistle for it
A phrase used to indicate the intent to withhold something from someone. After the way she treated me yesterday, I refuse to do her laundry anymore—she can whistle for it from now on! Yep, I decide who gets the promotion, and you lazy lot can whistle for it. I wouldn't want any of you joining my team! Tell them they can whistle for it! The report will be done when I'm good and ready.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
whistle for something
OLD-FASHIONEDIf you tell someone that they can whistle for something, you are telling them rudely that you will not give it to them. And if he wants a pay-rise, as far as I'm concerned, he can whistle for it! Note: There was an old superstition among sailors that they could make the wind blow by whistling.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
you, etc. can ˈwhistle for it
(British English, spoken) used to say that you are not going to give somebody something that they have asked for: ‘The boss wants that sales report this afternoon.’ ‘Well, he can whistle for it.’Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017