devil Definition
- 1(in Christian and Jewish belief) the supreme spirit of evil; Satan
- 2a wicked or cruel person
- 3used in exclamations of annoyance, anger, or surprise
Using devil: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "devil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was accused of being in league with the devil.
Example
She's a real devil when she's angry.
Example
Oh, devil! I forgot my keys again.
Example
The devil is in the details.
devil Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using devil
between the devil and the deep blue sea
in a difficult situation where there are two equally unpleasant choices
Example
If I tell the truth, I'll get in trouble. If I lie, I'll feel guilty. I'm caught between the devil and the deep blue sea.
the devil is in the details
small things in plans and schemes that are often overlooked can cause serious problems later on
Example
We need to go over this contract carefully - remember, the devil is in the details.
speak of the devil
when someone you have just been talking about appears unexpectedly
Example
Speak of the devil - there's John now!
Phrases with devil
the devil you know
it is better to deal with someone or something familiar, even if they are not ideal, than take a risk with an unknown person or thing
Example
I'm not happy with my current job, but the devil I know is better than the devil I don't.
give the devil his due
acknowledge someone's good qualities even though you dislike them overall
Example
I don't like him, but I have to give the devil his due - he's a hard worker.
play devil's advocate
to argue against something for the sake of argument, rather than because you disagree with it
Example
I don't actually believe that, I'm just playing devil's advocate.
Origins of devil
from Old English 'dēofol', meaning 'evil spirit'
Summary: devil in Brief
The term 'devil' [ˈdevəl] has three main meanings: the supreme spirit of evil in Christian and Jewish belief, a wicked or cruel person, and an exclamation of annoyance, anger, or surprise. It is used in phrases like 'the devil you know,' which means it is better to deal with someone or something familiar, and idioms like 'between the devil and the deep blue sea,' which describes a difficult situation with two equally unpleasant choices.
