PhrasesHub

The Devil take the hindmost

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • prioritize oneself
        Express a selfish attitude or mindset, often used to indicate that someone is only looking out for their own interests and is unconcerned about others

    Examples of The Devil take the hindmost

    • Despite the company's poor financial performance, some investors still eagerly cling to the hope that things will turn around. But as the saying goes, "The Devil take the hindmost" – those who hesitate and refuse to cut their losses may find themselves left behind in the rush for the exits.

      This idiom, also sometimes written as "The devil will take the hindmost," refers to the idea that in a situation of panic or chaos, those who are slow to act or hesitate may be the ones who suffer the most dire consequences. The phrase comes from horse races, where the "hindmost" refers to the last horse in the race. The implication is that, in a stampede, that horse is most likely to be left behind and caught by predators (such as the devil). When applied to investing, the phrase means that those who refuse to sell and cut their losses when a company's stock plummets may ultimately find themselves in dire financial straits.

    • In the stock market, some investors believe in selling their shares as the market starts to decline, thinking that they can avoid further losses. This behavior is often referred to as "the Devil take the hindmost" because these investors are essentially leaving the market first, believing that the shares they're selling will be the ones to suffer the greatest losses.

      The term "the Devil take the hindmost" originated from a time when armies would ride into battle with their rear troops, or hindmost, exposing them to the greatest risk of attack. The expression "the Devil take the hindmost" suggests that those who leave or abandon a situation, whether it be a battle or a financial investment, are leaving themselves vulnerable to the worst consequences. By running away from potential losses, these investors may actually be inviting further losses, much like the hindmost troops in battle were often the ones who suffered the greatest losses. In essence, "the Devil take the hindmost" discourages investors from making impulsive decisions based on fear and emphasizes the importance of staying invested even in the face of market volatility.

    • The sales figures for the past quarter were dismal, and the company's board of directors warned that the shareholders' profits will also decline. Our CEO announced a new policy in response: "From now on, the weakest performers will be let go, and the Devil take the hindmost!"

      This is an example of using the idiom "The Devil take the hindmost" in a business context. Essentially, the CEO is saying that the company will prioritize its strongest performers and let go of the weaker employees. The idiom is used to emphasize the harshness of the decision.

    • The train was delayed by over two hours due to unexpected technical difficulties, and the passengers grew increasingly impatient. The conductor announced, "I apologize for the inconvenience, but it seems we're stuck here until further notice. I guess the Devil takes the hindmost when it comes to train schedules!"

      Here, the conductor is using the idiom in a lighthearted way to acknowledge the frustration of the passengers. The idiom also implies that no one is completely in control, or that difficulties can arise unexpectedly.

    • The construction project for the new skyscraper has been plagued with setbacks and delays, and the project manager is under immense pressure to complete it on time and within budget. Frustrated, she exclaims: "We're working as fast as we can, but the city's inspectors keep finding issues with the permits. It's like the Devil takes the hindmost in this city!"

      The idiom is used here to convey the sense of futility and frustration caused by bureaucratic obstacles. It implies that some difficulties, particularly those related to red tape, are unavoidable.

    • The team members worked tirelessly for weeks leading up to the project's deadline, but one team member kept missing deadlines and falling behind. The other team members grumbled, "We're all working hard, but it seems like the Devil takes the hindmost in this group!"

      In this example, the idiom is used to express a sense of unfairness or injustice. It highlights the idea that some team members may have to bear an undue burden or pay a greater price for their work, even if they are equally dedicated and hardworking.


    Conclusion

    "The Devil take the hindmost" is a versatile idiom that can be used to discourage someone from pursuing a certain course of action or to express a selfish attitude. In both cases, it conveys a sense of self-interest and a lack of concern for others. This idiom is often used in a cautionary or critical manner, warning against the negative consequences of prioritizing oneself or neglecting others.

    Origin of "The Devil take the hindmost"

    The phrase "The Devil take the hindmost" originated in the 17th century and is often associated with the idea of ruthless competition and individualism. The "hindmost" refers to the person or people at the back or end of a group, suggesting that those who are not at the forefront or leading the pack will be left behind or disregarded. The phrase conveys a sense of disregard for others and a willingness to prioritize oneself, even at the expense of others. It is often used in a critical or cautionary context, warning against the negative consequences of selfishness and individualism. The origin of the idiom reflects a historical context of intense competition and individualistic attitudes, where looking out for oneself was prioritized over concern for others.