Blow the whistle on somebody/something
verb phrase
To report a person or organization for doing something illegal or wrong.
John blew the whistle on his company after discovering they were evading taxes.
Often appears as...
- blow the whistle on corruption
- blow the whistle on illegal activities
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To call attention to something generally unacceptable or wrong.
Sarah blew the whistle on her colleagues who were gossiping too much at work.
Often appears as...
- blow the whistle on behavior
- blow the whistle on misconduct
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To end or interrupt something by means of a whistle.
The referee blew the whistle on the match when it started raining heavily.
Often appears as...
- blow the whistle on the game
- blow the whistle on the match
verb phrase
To report a person or organization for doing something illegal or wrong.
John blew the whistle on his company after discovering they were evading taxes.
Often appears as...
- blow the whistle on corruption
- blow the whistle on illegal activities
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To call attention to something generally unacceptable or wrong.
Sarah blew the whistle on her colleagues who were gossiping too much at work.
Often appears as...
- blow the whistle on behavior
- blow the whistle on misconduct
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To end or interrupt something by means of a whistle.
The referee blew the whistle on the match when it started raining heavily.
Often appears as...
- blow the whistle on the game
- blow the whistle on the match
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Serious Action
Used when taking a bold step to address serious issues, usually involving the authorities.
She blew the whistle on the unsafe working conditions.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Repercussions
Whistleblowers may face retaliation or risk their jobs, which underscores the gravity of the act.
He was hesitant to blow the whistle on his manager's fraud.
Pro Tip 3/3Law and Ethics
Often associated with ethical duty and legal rights to report wrongdoings.
Under protection, she blew the whistle on the illegal trades.
Pro Tip 1/3Serious Action
Used when taking a bold step to address serious issues, usually involving the authorities.
She blew the whistle on the unsafe working conditions.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Repercussions
Whistleblowers may face retaliation or risk their jobs, which underscores the gravity of the act.
He was hesitant to blow the whistle on his manager's fraud.
Pro Tip 3/3Law and Ethics
Often associated with ethical duty and legal rights to report wrongdoings.
Under protection, she blew the whistle on the illegal trades.
Pro Tip 1/3Serious Action
Used when taking a bold step to address serious issues, usually involving the authorities.
She blew the whistle on the unsafe working conditions.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Repercussions
Whistleblowers may face retaliation or risk their jobs, which underscores the gravity of the act.
He was hesitant to blow the whistle on his manager's fraud.
Pro Tip 3/3Law and Ethics
Often associated with ethical duty and legal rights to report wrongdoings.
Under protection, she blew the whistle on the illegal trades.
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