the devil himself

USAGE SUMMARY

"the devil himself" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person in a figurative way to emphasize the power of that person or their extreme wickedness. For example, "The CEO of the company is so powerful that he has been called the devil himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr Bonicelli displays a National Review cover showing John Ashcroft with devil's horns under the slogan "Every liberal's favorite devil", with the picture signed by the Devil himself.

The Economist

He's the devil himself.

The Guardian - Books

Wait, what if she is the devil himself?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Don't forget, we are fighting the devil himself".

The Guardian

But making him menacing and dangerous would be beyond the ingenuity of the Devil himself.

The New Yorker

Many Republicans say they would vote for the devil himself before the junior senator from New York.

The Economist

"The Devil himself could not tell which government, England or France, is the most wicked," a North Carolina congressman remarked.

The New Yorker

As recently as 1996 they fought a civil war; one side sought aid from Mr Hussein, the devil himself.

The Economist

It was the Devil himself who had drawn her eyes down, who had brushed her heart with despair.

The New Yorker

My friends and I, the way we throw his name around, you'd think we were talking about the Devil himself.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Ah sho do have uh hard time," complains the Devil -- himself all too human -- after a man en route to church tears his pants and exclaims "Oh shucks!

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the devil himself" to emphasize extreme wickedness or formidable power in a person or situation. This phrase adds dramatic effect and is best suited for contexts where intense emotion or moral judgment is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "the devil himself" in everyday, casual conversations. The phrase carries a strong connotation and can sound hyperbolic or melodramatic if used inappropriately. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the devil himself" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an appositive or a predicate nominative. It intensifies the noun it modifies, emphasizing the extreme nature of the subject. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is used figuratively to denote ultimate evil or power.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the devil himself" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to denote the epitome of evil or immense power. As Ludwig AI indicates, it functions figuratively to describe someone considered supremely wicked or formidable. While its register is generally neutral, it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. It's essential to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression. Alternatives like "Satan incarnate" or "the epitome of evil" may be considered depending on the desired level of intensity and formality. Be mindful of the dramatic effect this phrase carries and ensure its usage aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satan incarnate

Emphasizes the embodiment of evil, often used in religious contexts.

the epitome of evil

Highlights the phrase as the perfect representation of wickedness.

the prince of darkness

A more formal and literary term for the devil.

beelzebub himself

Uses another name for the devil, adding a slightly archaic or literary tone.

the embodiment of all evil

Focuses on the idea of evil being physically represented.

pure evil

A more direct and less figurative way to express extreme wickedness.

the very devil

A slightly less intense but still emphatic expression of evil.

old nick himself

An informal, almost humorous, term for the devil.

lucifer himself

Another formal and biblical name for the devil, highlighting rebellion.

the antichrist

Refers to a specific figure prophesied to oppose Christ, implying ultimate evil.

FAQs

How can I use "the devil himself" in a sentence?

You can use "the devil himself" to describe someone considered extremely evil or powerful, as in, "Going up against him is like going up against "the devil himself"." It adds emphasis to the wickedness or formidability of the person.

What does "the devil himself" mean?

"The devil himself" is an emphatic way of referring to Satan or a personification of evil. It implies the highest degree of wickedness or malevolence. The phrase suggests someone embodies the worst possible qualities.

Are there less intense alternatives to "the devil himself"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a real scoundrel", "a nasty piece of work", or "a formidable opponent" if you want to convey a similar idea without the strong religious or moral connotations of "the devil himself".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "the devil himself"?

It is appropriate to use "the devil himself" when describing situations or individuals perceived as extremely wicked, malevolent, or powerful. It is often used figuratively to add dramatic effect or express strong moral condemnation. However, avoid overuse in informal settings.