| 释义 |
(in) the devil (in) the devilUsed as an intensifier after a question word (who, what, where, when, why, and how) to express extreme confusion, surprise, or aggravation. And just how the devil am I supposed to have three reports done by 9 AM tomorrow? Where in the devil did you find that rusty old car? Who the devil is making all that noise?See also: devilthe devil1. Particularly difficult, arduous, or unpleasant. My husband's handwriting is the devil to read. This cake is always the devil to get out of the pan, so it always ends up looking like a mess by the time I'm done.2. The brunt of another's anger, scorn, or wrath. Usually used after the verb "catch." If I get home past curfew again, I'm really going to catch the devil from my parents!See also: devilWhat (in) the devil? and What (in) the dickens?Inf. What has happened?; What? (Often with the force of an exclamation.) What in the devil? Who put sugar in the salt shaker? What the dickens? Who are you? What are you doing in my room?See also: whatWhat the devil? and What the fuck?; What the hell?; What the shit?What has happened?; What? (Often with the force of an exclamation. What the fuck? and What the shit? are taboo.) What the devil? Who put sugar in the salt shaker? What the fuck? Who are you? What are you doing in my room? What the shit are you doing here? You're supposed to be at work.See also: whatthe ˈdevil (old-fashioned) very difficult or unpleasant: These berries are the devil to pick because they’re so small.See also: devilwho, what, where, etc. the ˈdevil... (old-fashioned, informal) used in questions for showing that you are annoyed or surprised: Who the devil are you? ♢ Where the devil have I put my glasses?What (in) the devil? interrog. What has happened?; What? (Often with the force of an exclamation.) What the devil? Who are you? What are you doing in my room? See also: whatWhat the devil? verbSee What in the devil?See also: whatWho in the devil? verbSee Who in the hell?See also: whoWho the devil? verbSee Who in the hell?See also: who |