the devil

• Terme désignant l'esprit suprême du mal dans de nombreuses traditions religieuses, souvent personnifié comme tentateur ou adversaire ; également utilisé dans des expressions pour évoquer la malice, la difficulté ou l'intensité.

A term referring to the supreme spirit of evil in many religious traditions, often personified as a tempter or adversary; also used in idioms to express mischief, difficulty, or emphasis.

1. Satan or evil spiritB1formal

   In Christian and Jewish theology, the supreme spirit of evil; the adversary of God.

   le diable

   • The devil is often depicted with horns and a tail.
   • Many religious texts warn against the temptations of the devil.
   • He believes the devil influences people to do wrong.

2. Expression of surprise or annoyanceB2informal

   Used as an exclamation to express strong emotion, such as surprise, anger, or frustration.

   diable

   • What the devil are you doing here?
   • The devil you say! I don't believe it.
   • Where the devil did I put my keys?

3. A mischievous or difficult personB2informal

   Used to describe someone who is playful, naughty, or hard to deal with.

   petit diable

   • That little devil hid my shoes as a joke.
   • He's a devil when it comes to negotiating contracts.
   • She's a cheeky devil, always making jokes.