get the devil off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get the devil off" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in informal contexts to express a desire to remove something bothersome or unwanted. Example: "I can't concentrate with all this noise; I just want to get the devil off my back."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is always something to distract: the Queen's Chair, the Winking Man rock, and the Bawdstone – crawl under this rock to get the devil off your back.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Avalanche will get the Devils' pick, at No. 27.

The New York Times - Sports

"I get the devil-worship thing a lot.

Huffington Post

Get the Deviled Dragon Eggs recipe from The Foodies' Kitchen.

HuffPost

"I just couldn't get those devils off my mind," he sings, his voice staggering between vengeful roar and choked-up whisper as he pleads for salvation, his stripped-down authenticity wiping away thoughts of LTE and stirring memories of Jeff Buckley.

The Guardian - Music

He's got the devil in him.

The Guardian

Is there a chance Peter DeBoer gets the Devils back to being the Devils again?

The New York Times

Sometimes you just have to shake the devil off you, whatever that devil is.

The New Yorker

Get the leaf off.

WikiHow

The Devils were doing most of the shooting, but the Rangers got the next goal off another unlikely shot.

The New York Times - Sports

The Red Devils got the Diamond Jubilee celebrations off to a flying start when they parachuted into Epsom racecourse unfurling a giant Union flag on Saturday.

The Telegraph

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get the devil off" sparingly and be mindful of your audience. It is more suitable for informal conversations or creative writing than formal documents. In formal settings use a phrase like "eliminate the problem".

Common error

Avoid using "get the devil off" in situations where a more precise or professional term is required. It's not interchangeable with phrases that denote specific actions or solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get the devil off" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating an effort to eliminate a problem or negative influence. Examples from Ludwig AI suggest its usage in contexts where something bothersome needs removal.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "get the devil off" is an informal idiomatic expression used to convey a desire to remove a burden or negative influence. While Ludwig AI notes that the phrase is not standard and may be confusing without context, its usage is acceptable in casual settings. More formal alternatives include "eliminate the problem" or "resolve the issue". Be mindful of your audience and context when choosing whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shake off the devil

Focuses on actively dispelling negative influences or feelings.

rid oneself of the devil

Emphasizes the act of freeing oneself from unwanted negativity.

banish the devil

Suggests a forceful removal of evil or negative influences.

exorcise the devil

Implies a spiritual or ritualistic cleansing of evil.

cast out the devil

Similar to exorcise, but can be used in a more general context.

get rid of the negativity

Broadens the scope to include any form of negativity, not just the "devil".

shake off the bad vibes

An informal way to describe removing negative feelings or influences.

free yourself from evil

Highlights the act of liberation from evil forces.

purge the evil

Implies a thorough cleansing of evil or corruption.

eliminate the negative influence

Focuses on removing the source of negative influence.

FAQs

What does "get the devil off" mean?

The phrase "get the devil off" typically means to remove or alleviate a burden, problem, or negative influence. It suggests shaking off something bothersome or unwanted.

When is it appropriate to use "get the devil off"?

It is appropriate in informal settings, creative writing, or when conveying a sense of frustration or urgency to remove a problem. Avoid it in formal or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of "get the devil off" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, consider using alternatives such as "eliminate the problem", "resolve the issue", or "remove the burden", which are more professional and precise.

Is "get the devil off" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "get the devil off" is idiomatic and less formal. Ludwig AI confirms it can be confusing without context. Its acceptability depends on the context and audience.