Welcome to a delightful delve into the awkward yet essential art of giving credit where credit is due—no exceptions. Not even for the devil. 😈
Give the Devil His Due
Definition:
“Give the devil his due” implies that one must concede some measure of respect or acknowledge the merits of even a poorly regarded or disliked person. It’s recognizing excellence, skill, or a correct point, despite the broader negative aura surrounding an individual.
Similar and Related Terms:
- Acknowledge contributions
- Praise the unsavory
- Credit where credit is due
- Fair is fair
Antonyms:
- Denounce good deeds
- Withhold due recognition
- Be biased
Humor-Filled Quote:
“As they say, ‘Even a broken clock is right twice a day.’ So if the devil tells you the time, it’s worth a glance!” - Anonymous, Telling the Devil’s Time Magazine
Proverbial References:
- “Even the devil can quote scripture for his purposes.”
- “Though the devil dwell under church, yet hath he a chapel.”
Literature and Media References:
- Books: “A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court” by Mark Twain
- Movies: “The Usual Suspects” (1995) - “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”
- Songs: “Sympathy for the Devil” by The Rolling Stones
- Poetry: “Paradise Lost” by John Milton
- TV Series: “Lucifer” - Here’s a devil who often demands and deserves grudging respect.
Intriguing Title Exemplars:
- 👹 The Devil’s Advocate: Credit Where Credit’s Due 🎭
- 👿 Demons of Distinction: Honoring the Unholy 🎖️
- 🔥 Hellish Honors: Grudgingly Given Glory 🔥
- 😈 Creditors of Conundrum: Giving Kudos to the Damned 🤔
### Which expression means to give rightful praise despite dislike?
- [x] Give the devil his due
- [ ] Praise Pandora’s mistakes
- [ ] Pinpoint the imp’s perks
- [ ] Celebrate the troublemaker
> **Explanation:** "Give the devil his due" is an idiom that recognizes the worth of even a disliked person. The other phrases? Creative, but not actual idioms.
### 'Give the devil his due' teaches us to?
- [x] Give credit despite personal biases
- [ ] Praise everything even bad actions
- [ ] Espouse the devil's work
- [x] Maintain fairness
> **Explanation:** This expression underscores the importance of maintaining fairness and acknowledging contributions or merits even if we normally wouldn’t favor the person.
### True or False: The phrase intends to promote bad surface over the good.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** It doesn’t promote the bad over the good. Instead, it emphasizes a balanced and fair evaluation by highlighting achievements even among the disliked.
### Which character famously employed this idiom?
- [ ] Lengthy Lancelot
- [x] Mark Twain in "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court"
- [ ] Merlin Muted
- [ ] The Mighty Mouse
> **Explanation:** It was indeed Mark Twain who penned this thought-provoking line in his classic "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court."
### 'Give the devil his due' implies being?
- [x] Fair
- [ ] Biased
- [ ] Ignorant
- [ ] Brutal
> **Explanation:** It implies fairness. Even when we don’t like someone, acknowledging their correct points or achievements embodies justice.
Farewell note: Embrace fairness, for it sprinkles respect even where it’s most unexpected. Devils or angels, let’s give everyone their due! 🌟
