as devilish as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as devilish as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare something or someone to the qualities typically associated with a devil, often implying wickedness or mischief. Example: "Her plans were as devilish as they were clever, leaving everyone in awe of her cunning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

These animated brats, with their own cartoon show on Viacom's Nickelodeon channel, are as devilish as they are cute.

The New York Times

For the rest of you, who aren't so stupid as to apply in real life the things you see in movies, this one's as devilish as the idea of getting a date at a funeral.

Vice

The action is completely over the top, warming up with arm wrestling and rock climbing, then going in for the kill with a head-ripping, body-burning battle that pits the Cullen clan against those world-dominating Volturi, fashionably led by Aro (Michael Sheen, as devilish as ever), with Jane Dakota Fanningg) delighted to handle the dirtiest dirty work.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has described the US's intentions as "devilish".

BBC

It was their fault for raising us as devilish infidels!

Huffington Post

FinallyDave Schilling on Twhiter.

Vice

In the Middle Ages, Christian discourse recognised simians as devilish figures and representatives of lustful and sinful behaviour.

Huffington Post

But he turned a tricky corner at the Ageas Bowl on that Sunday (and probably negotiated a devilish chicane as well).

Independent

Mary J. Blige was deliciously devilish as Evilene.

Huffington Post

Total Film's Nathan Ditum ranked Streep's performance as the fifth best guest appearance in the show's history, commenting that she is "the perfect mix of beguiling and devilish as Reverend Lovejoy's rebellious daughter".

Wikipedia

They will join cast members already announced: Sean Hayes as the devilish Mr. Applegate, and Jane Krakowski as the seductive Lola.... Mandy Patinkin will star as Prospero when the Classic Stage Company opens its 2008-9 season with Shakespeare's "Tempest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as devilish as" to vividly compare the degree of wickedness, cunning, or mischief of two subjects. For example, "His plan was as devilish as it was brilliant."

Common error

Avoid using "as devilish as" in highly formal or professional writing, as it can sound too informal or exaggerated. Opt for more neutral comparisons like "equally cunning" or "just as strategic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as devilish as" primarily functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to emphasize the degree to which something possesses qualities associated with the devil, such as wickedness or cunning, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as devilish as" is a comparative expression used to describe something that possesses qualities associated with the devil, such as wickedness, mischief, or cunning. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English, though it appears relatively rarely. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to create a vivid and often negative comparison. While "as devilish as" can effectively emphasize a subject's mischievous or wicked nature, it's essential to consider the register and audience to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite as diabolical

Replaces "devilish" with "diabolical", which strongly suggests evil and wickedness.

just as wicked

Directly replaces "devilish" with "wicked", maintaining a similar level of intensity.

equally fiendish

Substitutes "devilish" with "fiendish", emphasizing cunning and cruelty.

no less demonic

Emphasizes the supernatural and destructive qualities of being "devilish".

every bit as sinister

Highlights the threatening and ominous aspect of the comparison.

as impish as

Replaces "devilish" with "impish", softening the connotation to suggest mischievousness rather than malice.

every bit as malevolent

Replaces "devilish" with "malevolent", focusing on the intent to cause harm.

just as mischievous

Emphasizes the playful, though potentially troublesome, nature of the comparison.

as cunning as

Focuses on the craftiness and slyness implied by "devilish".

as evil as

A more straightforward and general comparison to wickedness.

FAQs

What does "as devilish as" mean?

The phrase "as devilish as" is used to compare something to the qualities associated with the devil, often implying wickedness, mischief, or cunning. It suggests a high degree of something negative or undesirable.

How can I use "as devilish as" in a sentence?

You can use "as devilish as" to compare two things that share a similar level of wickedness or mischief. For example, "Her scheme was "as devilish as" it was ingenious."

What are some alternatives to "as devilish as"?

Alternatives to "as devilish as" include phrases like "just as wicked", "equally fiendish", or "as mischievous as", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as devilish as" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "as devilish as" is generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral or precise comparisons.