the devil
29
7.0
- idiom
- /ðə ˈdɛvəl/
- Informal
:
una pesadilla
- And I'd also say that in what we do, the devil's in the details.
- a deal with the devil
- the devil's bargain
- dance with the devil
Examples
-
I understand the essence of what you are saying, but the devil is in the details.
Blog text (34) -
But without your help, I will have the devil's own time getting to my feet again when it is done.
Fiction book (2002) -
Hard to argue with your ultimate goal, but the devil will be in the details.
Blog text (22) -
I've made a deal with the devil.
-
I think I made some kind of deal with the devil, and now he's come to collect my soul.
Fiction book (2002) -
The devil you know beats the devil you don't.
-
I'm surprised you're willing to stand so close to the devil.
Fiction book (2002) -
Before we get through with this thing, we may uncover sins that even the devil would be ashamed of.
-
In speeches between 1965 and 1967, he argued that "equality is false; it is the devil's concept."
Academic text (2001) -
When planning a wedding, remember that the devil is in the details, so make sure everything is perfect.
Synonyms
∞
3.7
A very painful or difficult experience
126
4.9
A person or thing that causes a lot of harm
70
5.6
Great physical or mental pain someone feels
4
7.6
A person, question, or thing that is very difficult to deal with
Antonyms
How Difficult
- Informal
3
7.2
- Informal
29
7.0
∞
3.1
∞
1.0
- Informal
33
2.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
the + devil
The sense 'very difficult/troublesome' is a metaphorical extension of 'devil' (an evil or troublesome supernatural being), so a learner who knows the constituent 'devil' can often infer the general negative/difficult sense. However, the specific idiomatic construction and exact usage patterns are not fully predictable from the parts alone and require exposure, making it only partially transparent.
Etymology
The devil may come from old stories where the devil was a clever troublemaker who caused big problems for people. So when someone calls a task or thing the devil, they mean it is 'very difficult' or 'full of trouble'.