whistling in the dark

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to explain to me the weird phrase “whistle in the dark”? In my opinion “cheer oneself up” and “ buck oneself up” are more understandable.

Or maybe Jason was whistling in the dark, Gavin said, sayng No in terror to terrified realization, already too late. (Faulkner’s “The Mansion”)

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

[Tdol]

Whistling in the dark - Idiom Definition - UsingEnglish.com