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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Devil’s advocate

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Someone who argues against a point for the sake of debate, even if they don’t actually disagree.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. I don’t really think the plan will fail, but I’ll play devil’s advocate to test your reasoning.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.

I don’t really think the plan will fail, but I’ll play ________ to test your reasoning.
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Devil’s advocate — Someone who argues against a point for the sake of debate, even if they don’t actually disagree.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Devil’s advocate” about your own life.

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Does your sentence match this meaning?

Someone who argues against a point for the sake of debate, even if they don’t actually disagree.

Compare: I don’t really think the plan will fail, but I’ll play devil’s advocate to test your reasoning.

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More ways to understand and use it

How to use this expression

Use it as “play devil’s advocate”. The speaker temporarily challenges an idea to explore weaknesses; they do not necessarily hold the opposing opinion. Announcing this intention can make a discussion clearer, although it does not make an insensitive argument harmless.

More examples

Let me play devil’s advocate: what happens if the supplier arrives late?

Mina supported the proposal but played devil’s advocate during the planning meeting.

Check your understanding

A colleague questions a plan to test it. Must they oppose the plan?

Answer: No. They may be exploring objections while still supporting the plan.

Compare expressions: Listening and discussion

Listening closely, understanding an unstated message and testing an argument are different conversation skills. These expressions are useful when discussing ideas with other people.

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