Some sayings in American English use the devil as a symbol. These phrases do not always mean something bad. Sometimes they are just colorful ways to describe people, actions, or situations. In the USA, many of these expressions have been around for hundreds of years. They often come from old stories, religion, or folk tales that people passed down.
When we hear “devil” in an idiom, it can mean trouble, temptation, or even someone being playful. Learning these idioms can make conversations more interesting. They can also help you understand books, movies, and everyday talk. In this article, we will explore different idioms about the devil, what they mean, and how they are used in the USA.
Idioms About the Devil
1. Speak of the devil
Meaning: The person you were talking about appears.
Example Sentence:
• “Speak of the devil—there’s Jake walking in now.”
• “We were just talking about you, and speak of the devil, you called.”
Other ways to say: Talk about someone and they show up, mention someone and they appear
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from old superstitions in England that saying the devil’s name might make him appear. Over time, it became a lighthearted saying in the USA.
Usage: Used when someone you were just talking about arrives unexpectedly.
2. Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Meaning: Stuck between two bad choices.
Example Sentence:
• “I was between the devil and the deep blue sea—stay late at work or lose my bonus.”
• “Choosing between two bad jobs felt like being between the devil and the deep blue sea.”
Other ways to say: Between a rock and a hard place, tough spot
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase came from sailors who used “devil” as a name for part of a ship’s hull, with the sea on the other side. Both were bad places to be.
Usage: Used when you have no good option.
3. Give the devil his due
Meaning: Admit someone’s good points even if you dislike them.
Example Sentence:
• “I don’t agree with him, but give the devil his due—he works hard.”
• “She may be strict, but give the devil her due, she’s fair.”
Other ways to say: Give credit where it’s due, be fair
Fun Fact/Origin: First recorded in Shakespeare’s “Henry IV.” In the USA, it means to be honest about someone’s skills despite personal feelings.
Usage: Used when giving fair credit to someone you don’t usually praise.
4. The devil is in the details
Meaning: Small details can cause big problems.
Example Sentence:
• “The deal looked good, but the devil was in the details.”
• “Read the contract carefully—the devil is in the details.”
Other ways to say: Watch out for small problems, details matter
Fun Fact/Origin: An American twist on the saying “God is in the detail.” It warns that tiny mistakes can cause big trouble.
Usage: Used when cautioning someone to check the fine points.
5. Play devil’s advocate
Meaning: Argue the opposite side to test an idea.
Example Sentence:
• “I’m just playing devil’s advocate—what if the plan doesn’t work?”
• “She played devil’s advocate to make sure the proposal was solid.”
Other ways to say: Question the idea, argue the other side
Fun Fact/Origin: In the Catholic Church, the “Devil’s Advocate” was an official role to find flaws in a case for sainthood.
Usage: Used when challenging an idea for discussion’s sake.
6. Better the devil you know
Meaning: It’s safer to deal with someone familiar, even if they’re not great, than with someone new who might be worse.
Example Sentence:
• “I’ll stick with my old phone—better the devil you know.”
• “Changing bosses could be risky—better the devil you know.”
Other ways to say: Stick with the familiar, safer with what you know
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in both British and American English; the phrase warns against unknown risks.
Usage: Used when choosing the familiar over the unknown.
7. Needs must when the devil drives
Meaning: Sometimes you must do unpleasant things when there’s no choice.
Example Sentence:
• “I don’t like asking for help, but needs must when the devil drives.”
• “I worked late all week—needs must when the devil drives.”
Other ways to say: Desperate times call for desperate measures, do what you have to do
Fun Fact/Origin: This old English proverb was brought to America by settlers.
Usage: Used when explaining why you did something reluctantly.
8. The devil made me do it
Meaning: A joking way to say you couldn’t resist temptation.
Example Sentence:
• “I ate the last slice of cake—the devil made me do it.”
• “I bought another pair of shoes; the devil made me do it.”
Other ways to say: I couldn’t resist, temptation got me
Fun Fact/Origin: Popularized in the USA by comedian Flip Wilson in the 1970s.
Usage: Used in a playful way to excuse mischief.
9. A devil of a time
Meaning: Having a lot of difficulty.
Example Sentence:
• “I had a devil of a time fixing my car.”
• “She had a devil of a time finding parking downtown.”
Other ways to say: Struggle with, hard time
Fun Fact/Origin: In American slang, “devil of a” adds emphasis to show difficulty.
Usage: Used when describing a challenging task.
10. Devil-may-care
Meaning: Carefree and reckless.
Example Sentence:
• “He has a devil-may-care attitude about deadlines.”
• “She took a devil-may-care road trip across the USA.”
Other ways to say: Careless, carefree
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in America since the 1800s to describe risk-takers.
Usage: Used when someone acts without worrying about the results.
11. Raise the devil
Meaning: Cause trouble or mischief.
Example Sentence:
• “The kids were raising the devil in the backyard.”
• “He raised the devil after hearing the bad news.”
Other ways to say: Stir up trouble, cause a fuss
Fun Fact/Origin: Related to “raise hell,” a common American slang phrase.
Usage: Used for causing disruption or mischief.
12. Talk of the devil
Meaning: Another version of “speak of the devil.”
Example Sentence:
• “Talk of the devil—there’s Mike.”
• “We were just talking about you—talk of the devil.”
Other ways to say: Speak of the devil, mention and they appear
Fun Fact/Origin: Still used in parts of the USA with British influence.
Usage: Used when someone you were just talking about arrives.
13. The devil to pay
Meaning: Serious trouble is coming.
Example Sentence:
• “If you miss the deadline, there’ll be the devil to pay.”
• “After breaking curfew, he had the devil to pay with his parents.”
Other ways to say: Big trouble ahead, consequences coming
Fun Fact/Origin: A nautical term meaning a tough job sealing the seam of a ship.
Usage: Used when warning about consequences.
14. Give the devil a run for his money
Meaning: Compete strongly against a tough opponent.
Example Sentence:
• “The underdog team gave the champions a run for their money.”
• “She gave the devil a run for his money in the debate.”
Other ways to say: Challenge hard, put up a strong fight
Fun Fact/Origin: American sportswriters popularized this phrase in the early 1900s.
Usage: Used when someone does surprisingly well against strong competition.
15. Dance with the devil
Meaning: Take a dangerous risk.
Example Sentence:
• “Investing all your savings in one stock is dancing with the devil.”
• “He danced with the devil by trusting that shady business partner.”
Other ways to say: Take a big risk, play with fire
Fun Fact/Origin: Likely tied to the idea of making deals with evil forces.
Usage: Used when warning about risky behavior.
16. A friend of the devil
Meaning: Someone who helps bad causes or people.
Example Sentence:
• “Helping them cheat makes you a friend of the devil.”
• “Only a friend of the devil would defend that action.”
Other ways to say: Supporter of wrong, ally of evil
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from religious imagery of siding with evil.
Usage: Used for someone who knowingly supports bad deeds.
17. The devil’s own luck
Meaning: Extremely good luck despite danger.
Example Sentence:
• “He survived the crash with the devil’s own luck.”
• “Winning the lottery felt like the devil’s own luck.”
Other ways to say: Incredible luck, unbelievable fortune
Fun Fact/Origin: The phrase mixes danger and luck, common in old American tales.
Usage: Used when someone escapes harm through sheer luck.
18. Devil of a job
Meaning: A very difficult task.
Example Sentence:
• “It was a devil of a job to move that heavy piano.”
• “Painting the house in the heat was a devil of a job.”
Other ways to say: Tough job, big challenge
Fun Fact/Origin: Common American phrase for extra emphasis on difficulty.
Usage: Used when describing something that’s hard to do.
19. Go to the devil
Meaning: A way to tell someone to leave you alone.
Example Sentence:
• “If you don’t like it, go to the devil.”
• “He told the rude customer to go to the devil.”
Other ways to say: Get lost, go away
Fun Fact/Origin: Old American slang, now less common.
Usage: Used in frustration to dismiss someone.
20. The devil’s in it
Meaning: Something is very wrong or unlucky.
Example Sentence:
• “The devil’s in it—why does the machine keep breaking?”
• “The devil’s in it; nothing is going right today.”
Other ways to say: Bad luck, something’s wrong
Fun Fact/Origin: Folk saying that blames bad events on evil forces.
Usage: Used when problems keep happening.
21. The devil is a liar
Meaning: Don’t believe false or misleading words.
Example Sentence:
• “When doubt creeps in, remember—the devil is a liar.”
• “Don’t believe those rumors; the devil is a liar.”
Other ways to say: Lies spread easily, don’t trust false talk
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from Christian teachings often quoted in American churches.
Usage: Used to reject lies or negative thoughts.
22. Devil take the hindmost
Meaning: Everyone looks out for themselves; the weakest get left behind.
Example Sentence:
• “In that business, it’s devil take the hindmost.”
• “It was every man for himself—devil take the hindmost.”
Other ways to say: Survival of the fittest, every person for themselves
Fun Fact/Origin: Old English proverb still found in U.S. writing, especially about competition.
Usage: Used when people act selfishly in a situation.
23. The devil you say
Meaning: An expression of surprise or disbelief.
Example Sentence:
• “You got the lead role? The devil you say!”
• “He moved to Alaska? The devil you say.”
Other ways to say: Really? No way
Fun Fact/Origin: Once common in 19th-century America, now old-fashioned but still used for humor.
Usage: Used to respond with surprise.
24. Sell your soul to the devil
Meaning: Give up your morals for personal gain.
Example Sentence:
• “He sold his soul to the devil for fame.”
• “Some people would sell their soul to the devil for money.”
Other ways to say: Betray your values, compromise your morals
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on European legends about making deals with the devil; popular in U.S. music and stories.
Usage: Used when someone sacrifices ethics for reward.
25. The devil’s handiwork
Meaning: Bad or destructive actions.
Example Sentence:
• “That crime was the devil’s handiwork.”
• “They blamed the vandalism on the devil’s handiwork.”
Other ways to say: Evil deeds, harmful acts
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from religious sermons warning against sinful actions.
Usage: Used when describing wicked behavior.
26. The devil rides hard
Meaning: Trouble is coming fast.
Example Sentence:
• “We need to fix this before the devil rides hard.”
• “The devil rides hard when you ignore your debts.”
Other ways to say: Trouble is on the way, danger is coming
Fun Fact/Origin: Linked to imagery of the devil chasing on horseback.
Usage: Used to warn about fast-approaching problems.
27. Like the devil
Meaning: To do something very quickly or intensely.
Example Sentence:
• “He ran like the devil to catch the train.”
• “They worked like the devil to finish on time.”
Other ways to say: As fast as you can, with great effort
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in America since the 1800s to add intensity.
Usage: Used when describing fast or strong action.
28. The devil’s in the house
Meaning: Trouble has arrived.
Example Sentence:
• “Lock the doors—the devil’s in the house.”
• “When tempers flared, it felt like the devil was in the house.”
Other ways to say: Trouble is here, bad news has come
Fun Fact/Origin: Draws from folk tales of the devil entering homes.
Usage: Used when conflict or danger is suddenly present.
29. Devil’s food
Meaning: Rich chocolate cake or dessert.
Example Sentence:
• “She baked a devil’s food cake for the party.”
• “Devil’s food cupcakes are my favorite.”
Other ways to say: Rich chocolate treat, chocolate cake
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular U.S. dessert named in contrast to light “angel food” cake.
Usage: Used when talking about a specific dessert.
30. Full of the devil
Meaning: Lively, mischievous, or naughty.
Example Sentence:
• “That puppy is full of the devil.”
• “The kids were full of the devil after eating candy.”
Other ways to say: Energetic troublemaker, playful rascal
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American rural speech for playful mischief.
Usage: Used for kids or animals being playful or naughty.
31. The devil’s playground
Meaning: Idleness leads to trouble.
Example Sentence:
• “They say an idle mind is the devil’s playground.”
• “Keep busy—boredom is the devil’s playground.”
Other ways to say: Idleness breeds trouble, keep busy to stay out of trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: Based on the old proverb “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”
Usage: Used to warn that boredom can lead to bad choices.
32. Devilishly good
Meaning: Extremely good, often in a tempting way.
Example Sentence:
• “This pie is devilishly good.”
• “He’s devilishly good at chess.”
Other ways to say: Wickedly good, amazingly good
Fun Fact/Origin: Adds a playful twist to “good” by pairing it with “devil.”
Usage: Used to praise something impressive or tempting.
33. Between the devil and the wall
Meaning: Trapped with no escape.
Example Sentence:
• “I was between the devil and the wall with no good choice.”
• “Negotiations left us between the devil and the wall.”
Other ways to say: Cornered, stuck with no way out
Fun Fact/Origin: Variant of “between the devil and the deep blue sea,” used in some U.S. regions.
Usage: Used when describing being trapped.
34. The devil’s brew
Meaning: Strong or harmful drink.
Example Sentence:
• “They warned that whiskey was the devil’s brew.”
• “That punch is the devil’s brew—it’s too strong.”
Other ways to say: Potent drink, dangerous mix
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in temperance-era America to warn against alcohol.
Usage: Used when referring to strong alcoholic beverages.
35. Run like the devil
Meaning: Run very fast.
Example Sentence:
• “When the alarm rang, they ran like the devil.”
• “He ran like the devil to catch the bus.”
Other ways to say: Sprint, dash
Fun Fact/Origin: Similar to “like the wind,” but adds drama.
Usage: Used for fast movement.
36. Give the devil his due respect
Meaning: Show respect to a strong opponent or rival.
Example Sentence:
• “Even if you lost, give the devil his due respect.”
• “She gave her competitor the devil’s due respect.”
Other ways to say: Respect your rival, acknowledge skill
Fun Fact/Origin: A polite spin on “give the devil his due.”
Usage: Used when showing sportsmanship.
37. The devil’s in your ear
Meaning: Temptation is influencing you.
Example Sentence:
• “Don’t listen—the devil’s in your ear.”
• “He acted badly because the devil was in his ear.”
Other ways to say: Temptation talking, bad influence
Fun Fact/Origin: Relates to imagery of a devil whispering on one shoulder.
Usage: Used when warning about bad advice.
38. Devil-may-care look
Meaning: Stylish in a relaxed, careless way.
Example Sentence:
• “His messy hair gave him a devil-may-care look.”
• “She wore a devil-may-care look at the beach party.”
Other ways to say: Effortless style, casual charm
Fun Fact/Origin: U.S. fashion magazines use this phrase to describe relaxed style.
Usage: Used when describing fashion or appearance.
39. Ride like the devil
Meaning: Travel very fast.
Example Sentence:
• “The bikers rode like the devil to beat the storm.”
• “He rode like the devil to get home before dark.”
Other ways to say: Speed, race ahead
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American Old West stories.
Usage: Used when moving quickly on horseback, bike, or vehicle.
40. A hot time in the old town tonight
Meaning: There will be wild excitement or trouble.
Example Sentence:
• “With that crowd, there’ll be a hot time in the old town tonight.”
• “The festival will be a hot time in the old town tonight.”
Other ways to say: Wild night, lively event
Fun Fact/Origin: Title of an 1896 American song; sometimes linked to “raising the devil.”
Usage: Used for parties or events with high energy.
41. Deal with the devil
Meaning: Make an agreement that will have bad consequences later.
Example Sentence:
• “Taking that loan was a deal with the devil.”
• “He made a deal with the devil to win the election.”
Other ways to say: Dangerous bargain, risky agreement
Fun Fact/Origin: Inspired by folklore of bargains with the devil for power.
Usage: Used when warning about dangerous agreements.
42. Devil’s backbone
Meaning: A hard or dangerous path.
Example Sentence:
• “We hiked the trail called Devil’s Backbone.”
• “Starting that project felt like walking on the devil’s backbone.”
Other ways to say: Treacherous route, risky path
Fun Fact/Origin: Also the name of real rugged ridges in the U.S.
Usage: Used literally for places or figuratively for challenges.
43. A devil for work
Meaning: Someone who works very hard.
Example Sentence:
• “She’s a devil for work, never taking breaks.”
• “He’s a devil for work when the deadline nears.”
Other ways to say: Workaholic, tireless worker
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in early 20th-century U.S. business slang.
Usage: Used when praising (or teasing) someone’s hard work.
44. Go to the devil and shake his hand
Meaning: Face trouble boldly.
Example Sentence:
• “If the worst happens, I’ll go to the devil and shake his hand.”
• “She’s brave enough to go to the devil and shake his hand.”
Other ways to say: Face danger head-on, confront trouble
Fun Fact/Origin: American frontier expression for fearless behavior.
Usage: Used to describe boldness in the face of danger.
45. The devil works hard, but…
Meaning: Even the devil’s effort can be matched or beaten.
Example Sentence:
• “The devil works hard, but rumor spreads faster.”
• “The devil works hard, but she works harder.”
Other ways to say: Outdo evil, match hard work
Fun Fact/Origin: Modern American twist on biblical ideas, often used humorously online.
Usage: Used to compare effort, often in a playful way.
Quiz: Idioms About the Devil
Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question. Only one option is correct.
Question Key
1. What does “Speak of the devil” mean?
A) You should stop talking immediately
B) The person you were talking about just appeared
C) Someone is in serious trouble
2. If someone is “between the devil and the deep blue sea,” they are:
A) Stuck between two bad choices
B) Sailing in dangerous waters
C) Enjoying two good options
3. “Give the devil his due” means:
A) Praise someone you dislike when they deserve it
B) Always agree with bad people
C) Avoid giving credit to others
4. If “the devil is in the details,” it means:
A) The small parts of something can cause trouble
B) The project is very large
C) There is no need to check details
5. “Play devil’s advocate” means:
A) Support evil plans
B) Argue the other side to test an idea
C) Agree with everyone in the room
6. “Better the devil you know” means:
A) Always avoid strangers
B) Stick with a familiar situation instead of an unknown one
C) Meet as many people as possible
7. If someone says, “The devil made me do it,” they usually mean:
A) They had no choice
B) They were forced by evil
C) They are joking about giving in to temptation
8. Having “a devil of a time” means:
A) Having fun at a party
B) Struggling to do something
C) Meeting someone special
9. “Raise the devil” means:
A) Cause trouble or mischief
B) Work hard on a project
C) Tell scary stories
10. If someone “sells their soul to the devil,” they:
A) Make a fair deal
B) Give up their morals for gain
C) Become more generous
11. “Full of the devil” means:
A) Being playful or mischievous
B) Feeling very tired
C) Acting scared
12. “The devil’s playground” refers to:
A) A dangerous theme park
B) An idle mind that gets into trouble
C) A place where kids misbehave
13. To “deal with the devil” means:
A) Make an agreement with someone untrustworthy
B) Play a game with friends
C) Bargain fairly
14. If you “run like the devil,” you:
A) Move very slowly
B) Run extremely fast
C) Act in a sneaky way
15. “The devil works hard, but…” is used to:
A) Show that someone can match or beat great effort
B) Warn about danger
C) Encourage rest
Answer Key
- B) The person you were talking about just appeared
- A) Stuck between two bad choices
- A) Praise someone you dislike when they deserve it
- A) The small parts of something can cause trouble
- B) Argue the other side to test an idea
- B) Stick with a familiar situation instead of an unknown one
- C) They are joking about giving in to temptation
- B) Struggling to do something
- A) Cause trouble or mischief
- B) Give up their morals for gain
- A) Being playful or mischievous
- B) An idle mind that gets into trouble
- A) Make an agreement with someone untrustworthy
- B) Run extremely fast
- A) Show that someone can match or beat great effort
Wrapping Up
Idioms about the devil add color to American English. Many come from old sayings, folk stories, and religious ideas. In the USA, people use them in both serious and playful ways. Some warn about trouble, others describe boldness or mischief.
Learning these phrases can help you better understand conversations, books, and movies. The next time you hear one, you’ll know what it means—and maybe you’ll use it yourself.
