English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Devil’s advocate
Meaning
The idiom "devil's advocate" refers to a person who argues against something, even if they personally believe it is right or true, solely for the purpose of exploring all possible perspectives and challenging assumptions. The person adopting this role is essentially playing devil's advocate, representing the opposite viewpoint in order to test the strength of an argument or decision.
Usage
- During a group discussion about climate change, one participant argued against taking any action at all, playing the role of devil's advocate to encourage more thoughtful considerations from others.
- In court, a lawyer might act as devil's advocate for a defendant they believe is innocent, challenging the prosecution's case in order to expose weaknesses and flaws.
- In a group project, one team member may take on the role of devil's advocate to ensure all members thoroughly consider different approaches before making a decision.
- During a debate about social justice issues, someone might argue against implementing policies they believe are too radical or overly punitive, playing devil's advocate in order to prompt more nuanced discussions.
- In a job interview, the interviewer may act as devil's advocate, asking challenging questions to test the candidate's thinking and problem-solving skills.
Roots and History
The idiom "devil's advocate" originates from medieval European inquisitions when inquirers were tasked with finding evidence against accused heretics or other wrongdoers. This process often involved exploring multiple perspectives and challenging assumptions, as the inquisitors sought to understand the full scope of the situation. Over time, this practice evolved into a broader concept that refers to anyone who argues against something, regardless of their own beliefs. The idiom became popularized in English during the 20th century.
Synonyms in English
- Devil's advocate: someone who opposes or challenges an argument or decision solely for the purpose of exploration and testing
- Opposing counsel: a lawyer who represents the opposite party in court
- Counterpoint: an argument presented to challenge another viewpoint
- Challenger: someone who questions assumptions or beliefs in order to expose weaknesses
- Devil's advocate: someone who argues against something, even if they personally believe it is right or true, in order to explore all possible perspectives and challenge assumptions
Synonyms in other languages
- English: devil's advocate
- French: avocat du diable (literally "advocate of the devil")
- Spanish: abogado diabólico (similar meaning)
- Italian: difensore del diavolo (similar meaning)
- German: Teufelsanwalt (similar meaning)