‘Give The Devil His Due’, Phrase Meaning & Context

The saying “give the devil his due” means to admit that someone you dislike or disapprove of does have some good qualities. It is a way of acknowledging that even the worst people have some redeeming qualities.

The saying is often used in a humorous or ironic way. For example, you might say “I don’t like the guy, but give the devil his due, he’s a good salesman.”

Origin Of “Give The Devil His Due”

The saying “give the devil his due” is thought to have originated in the 16th century. It is first recorded in the writings of the English author Thomas Fuller, who wrote in 1631, “Even the devil himself must have his due.”

The saying is likely based on the Christian belief that even the devil is a creature of God and therefore has some good qualities. However, the saying can also be interpreted in a more secular way, as a way of acknowledging that everyone, even the worst people, have some good in them.

Give the devil his due!

Shakespeare connection

Shakespeare uses the phrase in  Henry IV Part 1

“Sir John stands to his word. The devil shall have his bargain, for he was never yet a breaker of proverbs. He will give the devil his due.”

This line is spoken by Prince Hal, who is talking about his friend Falstaff. Falstaff is a notorious drunkard and liar, but Hal is willing to admit that he is a man of his word. He also says that even the devil is entitled to what he is owed, which is a play on the saying “give the devil his due.”

The context of this line is that Hal and Falstaff are planning to rob some travellers on Gadshill. Falstaff is confident that they will be successful, and he says that the devil will have his due, meaning that he will get what he deserves. Hal agrees with Falstaff, and he says that even the devil is entitled to what he is owed.

This line is significant because it shows that Hal is willing to acknowledge Falstaff’s good qualities, even though he is aware of his flaws. It also shows that Hal is willing to bend the rules, as long as he is not breaking any proverbs.

The saying “give the devil his due” is a reminder that even the worst people have some good qualities. It is also a way of acknowledging that everyone, even those we dislike, are complex individuals with both good and bad qualities.

Uses in Culture

The saying “give the devil his due” has been used in many different cultures and contexts. It is often used in literature, movies, and TV shows.

For example, the saying is used in the movie “The Princess Bride” when Westley tells Buttercup, “Even ROUSes have their place in nature.”

The saying is also used in the TV show “The West Wing” when President Bartlet says to his staff, “Even the devil has good ideas sometimes.”

How “Give The Devil His Due” is used today

The saying “give the devil his due” is frequently used today. It is often used in a humorous or ironic way, but it can also be used in a more serious way to acknowledge that even the worst people have some good qualities.

For example, you might say “I don’t like the guy, but, give the devil his due, he’s a good father.”

Examples of sentences demonstrating its use in daily conversation

Here are some examples of sentences demonstrating the use of the saying “give the devil his due” in daily conversation:

• “I don’t like my boss, but give the devil his due, he’s a hard worker.”
• “I don’t agree with her politics, but give the devil his due, she’s a good debater.”

• “I don’t like his music, but give the devil his due, he’s a talented musician.”
• “I don’t like her, but give the devil his due, she’s a good mother.”
• “I don’t like him, but give the devil his due, he’s a good friend.”
• “I don’t like what he did, but give the devil his due, he was honest about it.”
• “She’s not my favorite person, but give the devil her due, she’s a great cook.”
• “I don’t think he’s a good leader, but give the devil his due, he’s got a lot of charisma.”

The saying “give the devil his due” is a reminder that even the worst people have some good qualities. It is a way of acknowledging that everyone, even those we dislike, are complex individuals with both good and bad qualities.