PhrasesHub

Give the Devil his due

    Definitions

      • acknowledge someone's positive qualities or actions despite their negative reputation or character
        Despite his notorious reputation, we must give the Devil his due for his intelligence and cunning.

      • give someone fair or deserved credit, especially in a negative situation
        Even though we disagree on most things, I have to give my opponent his due for his well-researched argument.

    Examples of Give the Devil his due

    • The politician faced sharp criticism from his opponents, but he couldn't deny that his rival had run a spirited campaign. In fact, Giving the Devil his due, she had managed to mobilize a significant number of voters and had posed a real threat to the incumbent's re-election.

      This idiom means to acknowledge or recognize someone's achievements, even if you don't necessarily approve of them. In this example, the speaker is acknowledging that the rival politician had done a good job campaigning, despite not necessarily agreeing with her policies or supporting her candidacy. It's a way to give credit where credit is due, while still maintaining one's own point of view.

    • John had been accused of embezzlement, but his lawyer argued that he had been struggling financially and had only taken the money to keep his business afloat. When the judge asked John to explain himself, he admitted that he had made a mistake but promised to repay the money as soon as possible. Giving the Devil his due, the judge agreed to give John a chance to make things right and dismissed the case, reminding him that it was important to learn from his mistakes and to avoid repeating them in the future.

      In this example, the idiom is used to suggest that even if John had committed a wrongdoing, he should still be given a fair chance to make things right. It's a way of acknowledging that while John may have made a mistake, he still deserves the opportunity to rectify the situation and to learn from his errors. It's a way to emphasize the importance of fairness and justice, even in cases where wrongdoing is involved.

    • Sarah had been working hard on her project for months, but she had hit a roadblock and was struggling to find a solution. She had sought advice from her colleagues and had even consulted an expert in the field, but she still couldn't seem to make any headway. Determined to succeed, Sarah spent long hours in the lab, pouring over experiments and data until she finally stumbled upon a breakthrough. Giving the Devil his due, she knew that she couldn't have achieved this without the help of her colleagues and the expert, and she made sure to give them credit for their contributions.

      In this example, the idiom is used to emphasize the importance of acknowledging the help and support of others. Sarah knew that she couldn't have achieved her breakthrough without the help of her colleagues and the expert, and she recognized their contributions by giving them due credit. It's a way to acknowledge the importance of collaboration and teamwork, and to emphasize the importance of recognizing the contributions of others, even when we are achieving our own success.

    • The team had been working together for years, but they had encountered some major challenges that had tested their bonds. There had been disagreements and misunderstandings, but they had managed to put them aside and to work towards a common goal. Giving the Devil his due, each member of the team had played a critical role in achieving their success, and they recognized the importance of acknowledging their contributions. They celebrated their success together, recognizing the importance of collaboration, trust, and respect in achieving their goals.

      In this example, the idiom is used to emphasize the importance of recognizing the contributions of others, even in the face of challenges and disagreements. Each member of the team had played a critical role in achieving their success, and they recognized this by giving due credit to their colleagues. It's a way to emphasize the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and respect, and to recognize the importance of recognizing the contributions of others, even when we are succeeding as a team.

    • Despite being accused of embezzlement, John's reputation as a respected businessman is still intact. Give the Devil his due, his financial records have been audited by a top accounting firm and found to be in order.

      This idiom means to give credit where credit is due, even to someone who is generally bad or wrongdoing. In this example, the speaker acknowledges that John's accusers may have valid points, but ultimately chooses to trust the evidence presented by a reliable source, rather than assuming guilt without proof.

    • Sarah's team lost the championship game, but they put up a fierce fight till the end. Give the Devil his due, they were outnumbered and outmatched, but they never gave up.

      Here, the speaker is recognizing the efforts and determination of Sarah's team, despite facing significant obstacles. The phrase "Give the Devil his due" is, in this context, used to highlight the admirable qualities and achievements of the team, even in the face of adversity.

    • While John may not be everyone's cup of tea, he is a dedicated worker and has been consistently meeting his targets for the past year. Give the Devil his due, he has been working long hours and sacrificing his personal time to ensure the success of the company's latest project.

      Here, the speaker is acknowledging the hard work and perseverance of John, despite possibly not being well-liked by others. The phrase "Give the Devil his due" is utilized to emphasize the positive attributes of the individual, rather than focusing on any negative aspects.

    • Although James' rival, Robert, has won numerous accolades in the past, James' recent achievements have caught the attention of the industry experts. Give the Devil his due, James' innovative ideas and strategic approach have earned him a reputation as a rising star in the field.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom to celebrate the success of someone who may have previously been overlooked or underestimated. By acknowledging James' contributions, the speaker is recognizing the value and potential of an individual, despite any previous misconceptions.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Give the Devil his due" is commonly used to acknowledge someone's positive qualities or actions despite their negative reputation or character. It can also be used to give someone fair or deserved credit, especially in a negative situation.

    This idiom can be used in a wide range of contexts, from personal relationships to business dealings. In the first meaning, it is often used to caution against judging someone solely based on their reputation, and to remind others to recognize the good in people, even if they may have a negative image. In the second meaning, it is often used to acknowledge and give credit where credit is due, even to those we may not necessarily get along with.

    Origin of "Give the Devil his due"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to medieval Europe, where the devil was often portrayed as a cunning and deceitful figure. It was believed that if someone were to make a deal with the devil, they would have to pay a heavy price in the end. However, there were also tales of individuals who were able to outsmart the devil and come out on top.

    Over time, this phrase evolved to mean acknowledging the devil's intelligence and giving credit where credit is due, even though he may be seen as a negative or evil figure. It is often used in a tongue-in-cheek manner, acknowledging the devil's cunning while also recognizing the need to give credit where it is due, regardless of the source.

    The phrase "give the devil his due" has become a commonly used expression in the English language, with its origins rooted in old folklore and tales. It serves as a reminder to not judge someone solely based on their reputation or character, and to recognize and acknowledge their positive qualities and actions.