devil


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the devil

1. Something that is particularly frustrating or annoying to deal with or handle. A: "This project turned into the devil to finish." B: "I know. I heard the printer stopped working right in the middle of everything!" A dollhouse is the very devil to assemble on Christmas morning. This cake is the devil to get out of the pan, so it always ends up looking like a mess by the time I'm done.
2. A severe scolding; the brunt of someone's anger, scorn, or wrath. If I get home past curfew again, I'm really going to catch the devil from my parents! The boss gave me the devil for messing up the Anderson account.
3. Used as an intensifier. Who the devil is making all that noise? Goodness, it is as hot as the devil outside today!
See also: devil
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

*devil

Fig. a severe scolding. (*Typically: get ~; Catch ~; give someone ~.) Bill is always getting the devil about something. I'm late. If I don't get home soon, I'll catch the devil!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
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References in periodicals archive ?
While defending himself in court, Abdallah blamed the devil for making him commit the crime, saying he was a good person.
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By the start of this year, the mysterious malady--devil facial tumor disease (DFTD)--had wiped out 90 percent of the Tasmanian devil population (see Widespread Disease, right).
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The policy will also allow MET to control the utilisation of the plant to ensure sustainable harvesting methods are used, collect information to facilitate trade in devil claws products and to promote value addition in Namibia as the biggest devil's claw exporter in Africa.
New policy allows MET to monitor the usage of Devil's Claw products
The location for Devil's Ark was also selected due to its high elevation and natural landscape, which are similar to the Tasmanian devil's natural habitat.
New breeding program hopes to save Tasmanian devil from extinction
Whilst the Tasmanian Conservation Trust welcomed the use of Maria Island for this purpose, devil expert Androo
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Devils often fight among themselves, especially during mating season.
A devil of a problem
Instead, Jesus begins his ministry alone, in the wilderness, being tempted by the devil. While this is no place for a king, it is to this barren place that the Spirit leads Jesus.
First Sunday in Lent February 29, 2004
Anyone who survives the Devil's Triangle with no penalty strokes receives a certificate proclaiming the feat.
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Point 15, he says, also solemnly declares that one should not carry out exorcisms if one is not certain of the devil's presence.
Giving Satan a chance: an exorcist's complaint. (Vatican)
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