Welcome to Visual Vocabulary, the new animated series from EnglishAnyone.com that helps you
learn useful English expressions the same way native speakers do so you can master them
quickly, AND start using them confidently in your conversations today!
Today’s expression is “to play the devil’s advocate.”
This is an advanced expression meaning to give a counterargument, usually just to help
people think more clearly.
It’s often easy to think an idea is great, so you pretend to “play,” or become, “the
devil’s advocate” by arguing against the idea to test that idea’s strength.
You’re advocating the opposite position that the devil might take.
to play the devil’s advocate
“To play the devil’s advocate” is a phrase you can use in both professional and
casual situations:
A: This sounds like a good plan, but let me play the devil’s advocate for a moment.
Won’t this hurt sales?
B: Actually, you’re right.
Maybe we should consider something else.
A: Not to play the devil’s advocate, but shouldn’t we ask Mom before borrowing the
car?
B: It’s OK.
She already knows we’re going to use it.
A: If I may play the devil’s advocate, going to the party might not be a good idea because
you might meet your ex-girlfriend.
B: That’s a good point!
Let’s get pizza instead.
A: If someone had played the devil’s advocate, your team might not have made the wrong choice.
B: You live and learn!
Well, that’s the end of this lesson.
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lesson!