devil

1. often Devil In many religions, the major personified spirit of evil, ruler of Hell, and foe of God. Used with the.
2. A subordinate evil spirit; a demon.
3. A wicked or malevolent person.
4. A person: a handsome devil; the poor devil.
5. An energetic, mischievous, daring, or clever person.
6. Printing. A printer's devil.
7. A device or machine, especially one having teeth or spikes and used for tearing.
8. An outstanding example, especially of something difficult or bad: has a devil of a temper.
9. A severe reprimand or expression of anger: gave me the devil for cutting class.
10. Informal. Used as an intensive: Who the devil do you think you are?

1. To season (food) heavily.
2. To annoy, torment, or harass.
3. To tear up (cloth or rags) in a toothed machine.

between the devil and the deep blue sea

1. Between two equally unacceptable choices.

1. Very energetic, mischievous, daring, or clever.

1. To give credit to a disagreeable or malevolent person.

1. To be unsuccessful; fail.
2. To become depraved.
3. Used in the imperative to express anger or impatience.

1. To upset or ruin.

1. Let each person follow self-interest, leaving others to fare as they may.

1. Trouble to be faced as a result of an action: There'll be the devil to pay if you allow the piglets inside the house.

[Middle English devel, from Old English dēofol, from Latin diabolus, from Late Greek diabolos, from Greek, slanderer, from diaballein, to slander : dia-, dia- + ballein, to hurl.]