the devil

English

Adverb

the devil (not comparable)

  1. (idiomatic) Used to add emphasis to a question or statement.
    What the devil are you doing here at this time of night?
    • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
      “Brother,” said she, “whatever message Mr Blifil thinks proper to send to my niece shall be delivered to her; and I suppose she will want no instructions to make a proper answer. I am convinced she will not refuse to see Mr Blifil at a proper time.”—“The devil she won’t!” answered the squire.

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Noun

the devil (uncountable)

  1. Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see the,‎ devil.
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