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by TheKnife V2.1 - Grandiose and Obnoxious on May 3rd, 2007

TheKnife V2.1 - Grandiose and Obnoxious

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Where does the saying "clean as a whistle" come from? Whistles aren't even that clean...

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Answers. 8 helpful answers below.

  • by Merfish on January 11th, 2008

    Merfish

    Thank you, I was going to ask this and you did it for me. Plus my puny 2 points.

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  • by Barcaluv on May 3rd, 2007

    Barcaluv

    I had no idea either.
    I Found this that may provide some light on the subject:
    http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/33/messages/522.html

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  • by .avallach on May 3rd, 2007

    .avallach

    I think it refers to the sound of someone whistling not a physical whistle.

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  • by Talimze on May 3rd, 2007

    Talimze

    That's actually a phrase that I have often questioned. Why do people say this? Have they forgotten that whistles are full of spit?

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  • by Done. never again. on September 15th, 2008

    Done. never again.

    Whistles have a very clear, clean sound.

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  • by dar on September 15th, 2008

    dar

    A "whistle", as in sound one makes when blowing air through the lips. I think and this is only my thought, but "Clean as a whistle" means a clean, sharp, precise shave, because a shrill whistle makes a clear, clean, sharp sound! Ha, like I said, only my thought.

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  • by Anonymous on January 1st, 2009

    Anonymous

    clean as whistle comes from the old samurai day's because they had to have thier swords so clean and sharp before battle it had to whistle through the air

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  • by technios on September 15th, 2008

    technios

    www.Brownells.com... idk?

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