the devil en · ADV
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
Meanings
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(idiomatic, not-comparable) Used to add emphasis to a question or statement.
What the devil are you doing here at this time of night?
“Brother,” said she, “whatever message Mr Blifil thinks proper to send to my niece shall be delivered to her; and I suppose she will want no instructions to make a proper answer. I am convinced she will not refuse to see Mr Blifil at a proper time.”—“The devil she won’t!” answered the squire.
1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling:VVhat is he an honeſt man? the deuill he is, he is the Parſon of the Towne, You thinke ther’s no knauerie hid vnder a black gowne, Find him in a pulpit but twiſe in the yeare, And Ile find him fortie times in the ale-houſe taſting ſtrong beare.
1593, anonymous author, The Life and Death of Iacke Straw […], →OCLC, Act I:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| the Devil | alternative | lexicographic |
Deriveds
the devils · what the devils · the dickens · the devil you say
Synonyms
Translations (2)
pt diabos (adds emphasis to a question or statement) · br an diaoul (adds emphasis to a question or statement)