What the devil is that noise outside?
what the Devil
idiomUsed to add emphasis to “what” when beginning a question.
Origin
disputed originInherited from Middle English what þe devel, what devel.
I opened the package and wondered, what the devil is this supposed to be?
As the strange lights appeared in the night sky, he stared upward and whispered, what the devil is happening?
- 01
ain't what it used to was
Is not what it used to be; (expressing nostalgia).
- 02
blue devils
Low spirits; depression.
- 03
come what may
In spite of anything that might happen; whatever may occur.
- 04
dance with the devil
To engage in risky and immoral behavior.
- 05
devil dancing
Risky, reckless or potentially immoral behavior.
- 06
devil in disguise
A person or thing that appears to be good, honest, or upstanding, but is inherently nasty, evil, or damaging.
- 07
devil lies in the details
Synonym of devil is in the details.
- 08
devil's advocate
One who debates from a viewpoint which one may not actually hold, usually to determine its validity or simply for the sake of argument.
Last updated April 17, 2026