# devil in disguise

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/devil-in-disguise
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A person or thing that appears to be good, honest, or upstanding, but is inherently nasty, evil, or damaging.

## Examples

- That charming man is actually a devil in disguise.
- She seemed like the perfect business partner, but I soon realized she was a devil in disguise who wanted to steal my company.
- The charismatic leader promised prosperity to the desperate citizens, yet history eventually revealed him to be a devil in disguise who sought only his own power.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.