whistle stop

noun

a small railway station between the principal stations or a station where the train stops only on a signal

• Syn: ↑flag stop, ↑way station

• Hypernyms: ↑railway station, ↑railroad station, ↑railroad terminal, ↑train station, ↑train depot

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1. a small, unimportant town, esp. one along a railroad line.

2. a short talk from the rear platform of a train, esp. during a political campaign.

3. a brief appearance, single performance, or the like, in a small town, as during a political campaign or theatrical tour.

[1920-25, Amer.]

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whistle stop noun (informal)

1. A small town or railway station, where trains stop only by signal

2. Hence whistle-stop speech an electioneering speech made on tour (orig at railway stations), and whistle-stop tour orig such an electioneering tour, now any rapid tour involving brief stops at many places

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Main Entry: ↑whistle

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whistle stop,

U.S. Informal.

1. a small, little-known town along a railroad line at which a train stops only when signaled.

2. a stop at such a town or station for a brief appearance or speech, as in a political campaign tour: »

When the campaign train stops in a city town the general steps out on the rear platform, delivers his speech or, if it is truly a whistle stop, simply waves and grins (Life).

whis|tle-stop «HWIHS uhl _STOP», adjective, verb, -stopped, -stop|ping. U.S. Informal.

–adj.

of, having to do with, or at a whistle stop: »

whistle-stop speeches.

–v.i.

to make brief appearances or speeches at small towns or stations along a railroad, as in a political campaign tour: »

Then I had a wonderful day whistle-stopping through the Central Valley of California (New York Times).

–v.t.

to make whistle stops across or through: »

In a sort of swan song to the Democratic Party as its leader, he offered to whistle-stop the country for his successor (Birmingham News).