give the devil his due: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "give the devil his due" is a phrase derived from old English and has religious undertones. The word "devil" in this idiom refers to the Christian figure of Satan, who is traditionally associated with evil and wrongdoing. The idiom is used to express the idea that even someone who is generally regarded as bad or wicked deserves acknowledgment or recognition when they have done something commendable.

One widely accepted interpretation of this idiom is that it reflects the importance of fairness and objectivity. It suggests that one should not let personal biases or prejudices interfere with recognizing the positive actions or qualities of even the most disliked individuals. The idiom serves as a reminder to be fair in our judgments and evaluations.

The phrase "give the devil his due" can be traced back to the 16th century, with its earliest recorded use found in 1579 in a work by playwright and poet Christopher Marlowe. The idiom appeared in his famous play "The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus." This indicates that the expression has been in use for centuries, emphasizing its longevity and cultural significance.

The idiom gained popularity over time and has become a well-known and frequently used phrase in the English language. It is often employed in both formal and casual contexts to convey the notion of being fair and impartial in acknowledging someone's merits, even if they are generally considered to be unsavory or morally corrupt.

Furthermore, the idiom "give the devil his due" is often used in debates or discussions where opposing viewpoints are being presented. It serves as a rhetorical device to acknowledge valid points made by adversaries, even if we fundamentally disagree with their overall stance. This usage highlights the idiom's role in facilitating constructive and fair discourse.

One related idiom that complements the idea of giving credit where it's due is "good job." This phrase is commonly used to acknowledge and commend someone for a job well done. Just as "give the devil his due" encourages us to recognize the positive actions of someone we may not like, "good job" allows us to express our appreciation for someone's efforts, regardless of our personal feelings towards them.

Another related idiom that aligns with the concept of fairness is "do justice." This phrase is often used to emphasize the importance of treating someone or something fairly and equitably. Just as "give the devil his due" reminds us not to let biases cloud our judgment, "do justice" encourages us to ensure that all individuals receive fair treatment and consideration.

In addition, the idiom "hand it to someone" is closely related to the idea of acknowledging someone's achievements. This phrase is commonly used to express admiration and respect for someone's accomplishments, even if we may not hold them in high regard in other aspects of their life or character. Like "give the devil his due," "hand it to someone" emphasizes the recognition of positive qualities or actions, regardless of personal opinions.

Similarly, the idiom "give as good as one gets" aligns with the notion of fairness and equality. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is able to stand up for themselves and respond to an attack or criticism with equal force or ability. Just as "give the devil his due" urges us to acknowledge the positive actions of a disliked individual, "give as good as one gets" encourages us to recognize someone's ability to hold their own in difficult situations.

Finally, the idiom "just deserts" relates to the concept of fairness and deserving. It is often used to describe the consequences or rewards that someone deserves based on their actions. Like "give the devil his due," "just deserts" emphasizes the idea of recognizing and acknowledging the appropriate outcomes or consequences, regardless of personal biases or opinions.

It is interesting to note that the idiom's religious connotations have diminished over time, and it is now more commonly used in secular contexts. However, the original religious association with the devil and the idea of giving him his due persists, providing an additional layer of depth to the idiom's meaning.

The idiom "give the devil his due" conveys the importance of being fair and unbiased in recognizing the positive qualities or actions of individuals, even if they are disliked or considered wicked. With its roots in old English and religious symbolism, the idiom has stood the test of time and continues to be widely used in contemporary language. It serves as a reminder to remain objective in our judgments and to acknowledge the good in others, regardless of our preconceived notions about them.