play the devil with
play the devil with (something)
To ruin or cause serious damage to something; to greatly upset, disrupt, or negatively affect something. Lack of oversight allowed overzealous investment bankers to play the devil with the economy. I love wine, but it plays the devil with my stomach!
See also: devil, play
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
play the devil with something
Fig. to cause disruption with something; to foul something up. Your being late really played the devil with my plans for the day. This weather is really playing the devil with my arthritis.
See also: devil, play
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
play the devil with
Upset, ruin, make a mess of, as in This weather plays the devil with my aching joints, or Wine stains play the devil with a white tablecloth. This allusion to diabolical mischief is heard more in Britain than in America. [Mid-1500s] Also see the synonym play havoc.
See also: devil, play
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
play the devil (or Old Harry) with
damage or affect greatly.Old Harry has been a nickname for the devil in northern England since the 18th century.
See also: devil, play
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
play the devil with
To upset or ruin.
See also: devil, play
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- a crack at (someone or something)
- all right
- (you) wanna make something of it?
- all for the best
- a thing of the past
- a slew of (something)
- a bird in the hand