whistle Dixie

Refers to the song "Dixie", the traditional anthem of the Confederate States of America. The full implication is that the Confederacy would not succeed in the American Civil War through sentiment or token action alone.

• "He said he was going to open a business next year, but I think he was just whistling Dixie."
• ""Sure is hot!" / "You ain't whistlin' Dixie!"

• bullshit
• shoot the breeze
• shoot the shit
• build castles in the air
• engage in idle conversation
• often including fantasies
• whistle down the wind
• whistle in the dark
• whistle in the wind
• whistle past the graveyard
• 'whistle' idioms