devil
be a devil! said when encouraging someone to do something that they are hesitating to do. informal
better the devil you know: seebetter.
between the devil and the deep blue sea caught in a dilemma; trapped between two equally dangerous alternatives.
devil-may-care cheerfully or defiantly reckless.
a (or the) devil of a - something very large or bad of its kind. informal
1919Katherine MansfieldLetter We had the devil of a great storm last night, lasting for hours, thunder, lightning, rain & I had appalling nightmares!
the devil's in the detail the details of a matter are its most tricky or problematic aspect.
the devil's own - a very difficult or great -. informal
2003This Is Essex Once the sheds and fences go up it's the devil's own job to get them down.
the devil to pay serious trouble to be expected.
☞ This expression refers to the bargain formerly supposed to be made between magicians and the devil, the former receiving extraordinary powers or wealth in return for their souls.
the devil you know something or someone bad that you are familiar with and have accommodated yourself to or can cope with.
☞ The expression is a shortened version of the proverb 'Better the devil you know than the one you don't'.
give the devil his due if someone or something generally considered bad or undeserving has any redeeming features these should be acknowledged. proverb
like the devil (or a demon) with great speed or energy.
the luck of the devil: seeluck.
play devil's advocate take a side in an argument that is the opposite of what you really want or think.
☞ A translation of the Latin phrase advocatus diaboli, devil's advocate is the popular name for the official in the Roman Catholic Church who puts the case against a candidate for canonization or beatification; he is more properly known as promotor fidei 'promoter of the faith'.
2011The Charade Goes On Since my earliest days to today, I'm cynical but a dreamer with an idealistic streak. I love a good argument, to play devil's advocate, to see both sides of the coin almost endlessly.
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.
raise the devil make a noisy disturbance. informal
sell your soul (to the devil): seesell.
speak (or talk) of the devil said when a person appears just after being mentioned.
☞ This phrase stems from the superstition that the devil will manifest himself if his name is spoken.
sup (or dine) with the devil have dealings with a cunning or malevolent person.
☞ The proverb he who sups with the devil should have a long spoon is used especially to urge someone dealing with a person of this type to take care.
the world, the flesh, and the devil: seeworld.