where does the phrase clean as a whistle come from and y a whistle?

Answer 1

: CLEAN AS A WHISTLE - "One possibility is that the old simile describes the whistling sound of a sword as it swishes through the air to decapitate someone, and an early 19th century quotation does suggest this connection: 'A first rate shot.(his) head taken off as clean as a whistle.' The expression is proverbial, at least since the 18th century, when Robert Burns used a variation on it. More likely the basic idea suggests the clear, pure sound a whistle makes, or the slippery smooth surface of a willow stick debarked to make a whistle. But there is also a chance that the phrase may have originally been 'as clean as a whittle,' referring to a piece of smooth wood after it is whittled.'" (From the "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997.)

: Another source states: "Robert Burns, in his poem, 'Earnest Cry,' used 'toom' ('empty') rather than 'clean' - 'Paint Scotland greetan owre her thrissle; Her mutchkin stoup as toom's a whissle' - and other writers have had the whistle clear, dry, pure or other adjective. The basic intent, however, is to indicate that, for a sweet, pure sound from a whistle or reed, the tube must be clean and dry." (From "Heavens to Betsy & Other Curious Sayings" by Charles Earle Funk, Harper & Row, New York, 1955.)

: And a third: ".As every old-timer can tell you, a good whistle made from a reed or a piece of wood emits a clear tone - but it is easily damaged. Even small particles of debris, or a few drops of moisture will change the sound of a handmade instrument. In order to emit the pure notes intended by its maker, a whistle has to be absolutely clean. Anything or anyone as clean as a brand-new whistle or as clear as its sound is bound to be good. All of which means that an organization or person called as 'clean as a whistle' has been judged to be guiltless or flawless." (From "Why You Say It" by Webb Garrison, Rutledge Hill Press, Nashville, Tenn., 1992.)

Alternatively the origin may be the clean appearance of a just carved wooden whistle. Personally, I think it may well relate to locomotives where the brass, especially the whistle was always bright and gleaming.

Answer 2

The phrase wet my whistle and clean as a whistle come form an old style of drinking pot that people used to use in pubs hundreds of years ago. The clay pots had a whistle molded into the handle and when gentlemen wanted serving with more ale they would blow the whistle so that the bar man or woman would realise they needed another drink.

Clean as a whistle is an empty pint pot

Answer 3

oops! what a coincedence! i too wanna ask the same question!why not other things like clean as a white sheet or whatever. why must be whistle? my best guess is that it's because in the past, they make their whistle with brass and keep them shiny and clean. i guess that's where the phrase come from. just a guess, i'll watch what other says too!

Answer 4

It comes from cockney rhyming slang. A whistle and flute is a suit. But true cockneys only say half the rhyme hence as clean as a whistle is as clean as somebodys suit. Most cockneys only had one so this was always clean and kept for best

Answer 5

Whistle is to used with the lips. So naturally everyone will have to keep it clean.

Answer 6

This refers to the sharp, clear sound that you make when you whistle.
It might also have something to do withthe fact that you put a whistle in your mouth.

Answer 7

Is it anything to do with blowing the whistle to clean it?

Answer 8

It means as clean as your palate.

Answer 9

because it was dirty nowit is clean.. i don't really know... or maybe some one dropped into ****