the devil makes work for idle hands

the devil makes work for idle hands

proverb When one is unoccupied or has nothing to do, one is more likely to cause or get into trouble. The devil makes work for idle hands, so is it any surprise they started causing mischief after being left to their own devices for so long? We try to keep our kids busy with various jobs and activities during their summer break. The devil finds work for idle hands, after all.
See also: devil, hand, idle, make, work
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the devil makes work for idle ˈhands

(saying) people who do not have enough to do often start to do wrong: She blamed the crimes on the local jobless teenagers. ‘The devil makes work for idle hands,’ she would say.
See also: devil, hand, idle, make, work
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • as one door closes, another (one) opens
  • as one door closes, another one opens
  • as one door closes, another opens
  • give (someone) an inch and (someone) (will) take a mile
  • give (someone) an inch and (someone) (will) take a yard
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force (one) out of office
  • force out of office
  • give (one) (one's) head
  • give head
References in periodicals archive
And it may be a case of, at that particular time, that the devil makes work for idle hands."
"Without it, the devil makes work for idle hands to do."
Proof positive that the devil makes work for idle hands. We now have 104 businesses licensed to bank in East Africa, barring any recent failures.
And you know how the devil makes work for idle hands "You end up tinkering with everything."
"She always said the devil makes work for idle hands. She would even be crocheting while watching the television."
Mischievous tales of how the Devil makes work for idle hands will play out along a riveting 40 minute ghost trail snaking through the trees with Old Nick himself narrating the story.
Youngsters are invited to take part in a 40-minute spooky walk narrated by the actors on how the devil makes work for idle hands.
The devil makes work for idle hands: creating employment for young jobless people is the top priority.
History teaches us the devil makes work for idle hands.
IF THE devil makes work for idle hands then actor David Morrissey is likely to be first in the queue for angel's wings when he finally arrives at the pearly gates.
He says the devil makes work for idle hands so I got to keep busy.
But the devil makes work for idle hands and people would play jokes on each other and take the mickey.
If the devil makes work for idle hands, Vaneese Johnson wants everyone to work part time, full time, and even overtime if need be.
The Devil makes work for idle hands...never was this phrase more appropriate.
However, it's based on the belief that the devil makes work for idle hands.