In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the given idiom/phrase.\n\nWhistle in the dark

Introduction / Context:
This idiom-based question asks you to interpret the phrase “whistle in the dark.” Idioms like this often come from vivid images of human behaviour in particular situations. Here, you must recognise the metaphorical meaning rather than interpreting it literally.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: whistle in the dark.
• Options include pretending to be unafraid, having a ray of hope, seeing a ghost, falling into a trap, and singing at night.
• The context is emotional behaviour in fearful or uncertain situations.

Concept / Approach:
Imagine a person walking alone at night in the dark and feeling scared. Some people might whistle or sing to comfort themselves and to appear brave, even if they are actually afraid. The idiom “to whistle in the dark” therefore means to pretend to be brave or unafraid in a frightening situation, often to comfort oneself more than others. It does not literally refer to entertainment or ghosts.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Visualise the situation: a person in the dark whistling to seem less scared.Step 2: Understand that the key idea is pretending to be confident or unafraid.Step 3: Read option A: “Pretend to be unafraid.” This captures the idea directly.Step 4: Compare with other options, which introduce unrelated ideas like ghosts, traps, or general hope.Step 5: Conclude that option A matches the idiom best.

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the idiom in a sentence: “He claimed he was not worried about the exam, but he was just whistling in the dark.” This suggests he was pretending to be calm, although he was actually anxious. Rephrasing this as “He was pretending to be unafraid” preserves the meaning perfectly, confirming option A as correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: “A ray of hope in the worst of times” describes real hope, not pretending.

Option C: “See a ghost while dreaming” focuses on supernatural imagination, unrelated to the idiom.

Option D: “Be blind and fall into a trap” suggests ignorance and danger, not pretending to be brave.

Option E: “Sing loudly to entertain other people at night” misinterprets the whistling as performance rather than a coping mechanism.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may try to interpret idioms literally, which almost always leads to wrong answers. Another pitfall is confusing this idiom with phrases about hope or optimism. While a person who whistles in the dark may wish to feel better, the central idea is deliberate pretence of bravery in the face of fear.

Final Answer:
Pretend to be unafraid