the devil

(in) the devil

Used as an intensifier after a question word (who, what, where, when, why, and how) to express extreme confusion, surprise, or aggravation. And just how the devil am I supposed to have three reports done by 9 AM tomorrow? Where in the devil did you find that rusty old car? Who the devil is making all that noise?
See also: devil

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.

the ˈdevil

(old-fashioned) very difficult or unpleasant: These berries are the devil to pick because they’re so small.
See also: devil
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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