Whistle and flute

Definitions

• to refer to a suit, especially a formal one
  to talk about wearing formal attire, often in a humorous or lighthearted way

• to be mute
  to indicate that someone is not speaking or vocalizing, often used in a playful or colloquial manner

Examples of Whistle and flute

• She is such a walking advertisement for the brand that she practically whistles and flutes its name with every breath.

  This idiom is used to describe a person who promotes a particular brand or product so enthusiastically and consistently that it seems like a natural part of their speech and actions, as if they were whistling or fluting its name like a tune.

• The politician's campaign speeches sounded like a ceaseless whistle and flute of his party's slogans and promises.

  This idiom is used to describe a person who constantly repeats the same catchphrases or slogans as if they were musical notes, in an attempt to persuade or mobilize their audience.

• The children's party was filled with laughter and playful sounds, as if the balloons and toys were whistling and fluting like a symphony of joy.

  This idiom is used to describe a scene or activity that is filled with joyful noise and lively energy, as if the sounds of play and delight were musical and harmonious.

• The wind was howling and whistling in the trees, like a flute of nature's music.

  This idiom is used to describe the sound of the wind, which can be both eerie and beautiful, as if it were a melody being played by the trees and the air itself.

• The salesman's persuasive charm and charismatic personality were his whistle and flute, luring in customers one by one.

  Just as a musician uses a whistle and a flute to attract an audience, the salesman used his charm and charisma to draw in customers. The phrase "whistle and flute" is figurative language implying that the salesman had a unique set of qualities that made him particularly effective at sales.

• The soccer coach's tactics and leadership abilities served as his whistle and flute, guiding his players to victory.

  Similar to the salesman's charm, the soccer coach's strategies and leadership skills were his tools for success. Though a soccer coach's "whistle and flute" are slightly different from a salesman's, they both represent the unique set of skills and qualities that make an individual excel in their respective fields.

• The politician's rhetoric and persuasive arguments were his whistle and flute, winning over voters and securing his position in office.

  As a politician, persuasive arguments and captivating rhetoric are essential tools for success. Thus, the politician used his "whistle and flute" to influence and convince voters to support him during his campaign.

• The entrepreneur's innovative ideas and strategic planning were his whistle and flute, propelling his company to new heights of success.

  Just as a musician's "whistle and flute" can captivate an audience, an entrepreneur's unique ideas and business acumen can captivate investors and lead to success. By implementing his innovative strategies, the entrepreneur was able to elevate his company and achieve significant success.

Conclusion

The idiom "whistle and flute" has two distinct meanings. It can either refer to wearing a suit, especially a formal one, or it can be used to indicate that someone is not speaking or vocalizing. Both meanings are often used in a light-hearted or humorous way.

Origin of "Whistle and flute"

The origin of the idiom "whistle and flute" can be traced back to Cockney rhyming slang, a type of slang that originated in the East End of London. In Cockney rhyming slang, words are replaced with phrases that rhyme with the original words, and the final word of the rhyming phrase is then dropped, leaving just the first word. In this case, "whistle and flute" is a rhyming phrase for "suit."

The use of Cockney rhyming slang became popular in the 19th century, and although it originated as a secret code among the working-class population, it eventually became more widely known and used. The idiom "whistle and flute" has since become a part of everyday English language, often used in a jocular or informal context to refer to wearing formal attire or to playfully indicate that someone is not speaking.