Expression "As clean as a whistle"

[Bibigon]

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #20 "Comparisons with as .... as", question 6

He wanted to make sure that his car looked good and so he made sure it was as clean as a whistle before he sold it.

(a) spotty
(b) spotted
(c) spotting
(d) spotless

English Idioms and Expressions, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #20 "Comparisons with as .... as", answer 6

He wanted to make sure that his car looked good and so he made sure it was spotless before he sold it.

Correct answer: (d) spotless
_________________________

whistle is spotless?

Bibigon

[Mordant]

"As clean as a whistle" is spotless. It has to retain that phrasing to mean that.

[Beeesneees]

"One possibility is that the old simile describes the whistling sound of a sword as it swishes through the air to decapitate someone, and an early 19th century quotation does suggest this connection: 'A first rate shot.(his) head taken off as clean as a whistle.' The expression is proverbial, at least since the 18th century, when Robert Burns used a variation on it. More likely the basic idea suggests the clear, pure sound a whistle makes, or the slippery smooth surface of a willow stick debarked to make a whistle. But there is also a chance that the phrase may have originally been 'as clean as a whittle,' referring to a piece of smooth wood after it is whittled.'" (From the "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Facts on File, New York, 1997.)

Another source states: "Robert Burns, in his poem, 'Earnest Cry,' used 'toom' ('empty') rather than 'clean' - 'Paint Scotland greetan owre her thrissle; Her mutchkin stoup as toom's a whissle' - and other writers have had the whistle clear, dry, pure or other adjective. The basic intent, however, is to indicate that, for a sweet, pure sound from a whistle or reed, the tube must be clean and dry." (From "Heavens to Betsy & Other Curious Sayings" by Charles Earle Funk, Harper & Row, New York, 1955.)

And a third: ".As every old-timer can tell you, a good whistle made from a reed or a piece of wood emits a clear tone - but it is easily damaged. Even small particles of debris, or a few drops of moisture will change the sound of a handmade instrument. In order to emit the pure notes intended by its maker, a whistle has to be absolutely clean. Anything or anyone as clean as a brand-new whistle or as clear as its sound is bound to be good. All of which means that an organization or person called as 'clean as a whistle' has been judged to be guiltless or flawless." (From "Why You Say It" by Webb Garrison, Rutledge Hill Press, Nashville, Tenn., 1992.)

Read more: Where did the phrase "clean as a whistle" originate? | Answerbag http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/402100#ixzz0tlrDdqFk
_________________
Cheers m' dears!