Play devil's advocate — To argue an opposing or contrary view for the sake of debate. The person does not necessarily believe the view themselves; they raise it to test an argument, expose weaknesses, or encourage deeper discussion.
Origin & History
The phrase comes from the Latin advocatus diaboli, "the Devil's Advocate", an official role in the Roman Catholic Church formalised around 1587. During the process of canonisation — declaring someone a saint — an official known as the Promotor Fidei was appointed to argue against the candidate, raising objections and doubts to ensure the case was examined rigorously.
By deliberately challenging the evidence for sainthood, this official tested whether the claim could withstand scrutiny. The office was reduced and largely abolished by Pope John Paul II in 1983. The figurative sense we use today — arguing a contrary position to test an argument rather than because you believe it — grew directly out of this churchly role.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Let me play devil's advocate for a moment — what if the plan fails? | Testing an idea |
| In the meeting, she played devil's advocate to make sure every risk was considered. | Business discussion |
| I'm only playing devil's advocate, but have we thought about the cost? | Raising concerns |
| The tutor often plays devil's advocate to push students to defend their views. | Education and debate |
| He likes to play devil's advocate just to keep the conversation lively. | Casual conversation |
| Playing devil's advocate, the journalist questioned the official figures. | Journalism |
How to Use It
This idiom is fairly neutral and works in conversation, debates, meetings, and journalism. It is usually paired with the verb play, as in play devil's advocate or playing devil's advocate. People often use it to signal that they are about to raise a counter-argument they may not personally hold, which softens the challenge and keeps the discussion friendly. It is acceptable in much professional and semi-formal writing.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
He likes to play devils advocate in meetings.
He likes to play devil's advocate in meetings. — Use the possessive apostrophe: 'devil's', not 'devils'.
She played a devil's advocate during the debate.
She played devil's advocate during the debate. — Do not add 'a' before 'devil's advocate' in this idiom.
I'm just acting devil's advocate here.
I'm just playing devil's advocate here. — The verb is 'play', not 'act'.
Similar Idioms
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