Think about moments when things suddenly become complicated — a debate heats up, a plan goes wrong, or a small detail creates a big problem. English often uses the word devil in expressions that describe tension, temptation, and difficult decisions. These idioms bring drama into everyday language while helping us talk about challenges and choices.
Speak of the devil
Meaning: Someone you were just talking about suddenly appears.
Example: We were discussing Riya, and speak of the devil, she just walked in.
Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Meaning: Stuck between two equally difficult choices.
Example: He felt between the devil and the deep blue sea when both teams wanted him.
Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t
Meaning: A familiar problem may be safer than an unknown one.
Example: She stayed with the same tutor — better the devil you know.
The devil is in the details
Meaning: Small details can cause unexpected problems.
Example: The plan looked simple, but the devil was in the details.
Play the devil’s advocate
Meaning: Argue the opposite side just to test an idea.
Example: Let me play the devil’s advocate and question this proposal.
Give the devil his due
Meaning: Admit someone’s good qualities even if you dislike them.
Example: Give the devil his due — he solved the problem quickly.
The devil to pay
Meaning: Serious trouble will follow.
Example: If the rules are broken again, there will be the devil to pay.
Like the devil
Meaning: Very fast or with great effort.
Example: He ran like the devil to catch the bus.
The devil makes work for idle hands
Meaning: People often get into trouble when they have nothing to do.
Example: Stay busy — the devil makes work for idle hands.
The devil’s own luck
Meaning: Unexpected good luck in a difficult situation.
Example: She escaped the mistake by the devil’s own luck.
Raise the devil
Meaning: To cause loud trouble or anger.
Example: The students raised the devil when the match was cancelled.
Devil-may-care attitude
Meaning: A carefree attitude that ignores risks.
Example: His devil-may-care attitude made the teachers nervous.
The devil’s in it
Meaning: Something strange or troublesome is happening.
Example: The computer crashed again — the devil’s in it.
Talk of the devil
Meaning: Another way to say someone appears just after being mentioned.
Example: Talk of the devil — the coach just arrived.
