devil

Everyday

1. The Devil is the main evil spirit in some religions, the enemy of God. tree →
2. A devil is any evil spirit or demon in stories. tree →
3. (informal) A little devil is a naughty child or person, said fondly. tree →
4. (informal) "Poor devil" means a person you feel sorry for; "lucky devil" means a lucky person. tree →
5. (mild swearing, old-fashioned) "What the devil...?" or "go to the devil!" show surprise or anger. tree →
6. A Tasmanian devil is a small, fierce black animal from Australia. tree →

In the lessons

In stories and myths, devils are wicked figures with horns and tails. In everyday talk, "devil" is often a fond or mild word. In Australian science lessons, the Tasmanian devil is a marsupial. Phrases: speak of the devil (said when someone you were talking about arrives), devil's advocate, between the devil and the deep blue sea, the devil is in the detail.

Examples

• In the story, the devil tricked the farmer. tree →
• You little devil, you hid my keys! tree →
• Speak of the devil, here comes Sam now! tree →
• The poor devil lost his wallet and his bus ticket. tree →
• What the devil is that noise? tree →
• Tasmanian devils live only in Tasmania. tree →
• You won a holiday? You lucky devil! tree →
• I'll play devil's advocate and argue the other side. tree →
• The Devil got hold of me. tree →

Note

Capital D for the Devil in religion. Adjective: devilish. Mild exclamations ("what the devil") are old-fashioned and informal. Devilled eggs = spicy eggs. Myth: the Tasmanian devil is not dangerous to people unless cornered.

In Jewish tradition

In stories and myths, devils are wicked figures with horns and tails. In everyday talk, "devil" is often a fond or mild word. In Australian science lessons, the Tasmanian devil is a marsupial. Phrases: speak of the devil (said when someone you were talking about arrives), devil's advocate, between the devil and the deep blue sea, the devil is in the detail.

Note

Capital D for the Devil in religion. Adjective: devilish. Mild exclamations ("what the devil") are old-fashioned and informal. Devilled eggs = spicy eggs. Myth: the Tasmanian devil is not dangerous to people unless cornered.