Definition
To disclose information to the public or to appropriate authorities concerning the illegal or socially harmful actions of a person or group, especially a corporation or government agency.
Origins
When used idiomatically, probably an allusion to a police officer blowing his or her whistle on observing a violation of the law.
In Context
- "In some jurisdictions, it is illegal to fire a person for blowing the whistle on an employer."
- "In recent months, tech journalists at The New York Times have received quite a few such messages, sent by people who claim to have unlocked hidden knowledge with the help of ChatGPT, which then instructed them to blow the whistle on what they had uncovered."
Also Said As
- tattle
- tell on
See Also
- whistle-blower
- speak truth to power