Proverbs with the word Devil

Talk of the devil and he is sure to appear

We say this jokingly in shortened from when we are joined by a person we have just been talking about. 'Well, talk of the devil! Here is the old... Read more →

Speak the truth and shame the devil

Speak the truth boldly in defiance of strong temptation to tell lies.

He should have a long spoon that sups with the devil

Anyone who mixes with evil companions must have all his wits about him. Thus it is dangerous to keep bad company.

Every man for himself, and the devil take the hindmost

This is a doctrine of self-preservation, which is said to be the first law of nature. As the French say, 'Sauve qui peut' ('Save himself who... Read more →

The devil was sick …

The devil was sick, the devil a monk would be; The devil was well, the devil a monk was he. People who make pious resolutions in time of... Read more →

The devil take the hindmost

This is the short version of EVERY MAN FOR HIMSELF, AND THE DEVIL TAKE THE HINDMOST.

Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know

An unknown danger or hardship is much more frightening than one we have already experienced. 'I have got to go to Paris again on business next... Read more →

The devil is not so black as he is painted

No one is wholly bad, and when we think that someone has been blamed too much we use this proverb. 'I agree with you up the a post, but don't be... Read more →

The devil finds work for the idle hands to do

Those who have nothing useful to do and seeks some way of passing the time are liable to drift into wrongdoing.

Give the devil his due

Even the very bad sometimes do a good deed, so we should recognize the good points of others, even though they are not friends of ours.