# the devil

idiom

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

## Meaning

Used to add emphasis to a question or statement.

## Examples

- Where the devil did I put my keys?
- I have been working on this report for hours, so what the devil is taking so long to finish?
- He stared at the strange, glowing object on his desk and wondered what the devil it could possibly be.

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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.