What does "devil" mean?

See devil in WNW Idioms

a devil of a

an extreme example of a

between the devil and the deep (blue) sea

between equally unpleasant alternatives

give the devil his due

to acknowledge the ability or success of even a wicked or unpleasant person

go to the devil

to fall into bad habits; degenerate morally: used also in the imperative as an expression of anger or annoyance

play the devil with

Informal to cause to go awry; upset

raise the devil

the devil!

Informal an exclamation of anger, surprise, negation, etc.: often in such phrases as the devil you did!, meaning âdid you really?â

the devil to pay

trouble as a consequence

See devil in American Heritage Dictionary 4 Idioms

between the devil and the deep blue sea

Between two equally unacceptable choices.

full of the devil

Very energetic, mischievous, daring, or clever.

give the devil his due

To give credit to a disagreeable or malevolent person.

go to the devil

play the devil with

To upset or ruin.

the devil take the hindmost

Let each person follow self-interest, leaving others to fare as they may.

the devil to pay

Trouble to be faced as a result of an action: There'll be the devil to pay if you allow the piglets inside the house.

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