What does “Idle hands are the devil's handiwork” mean?
"Idle hands are the devil's handiwork" means that when someone's hands are not busy, they are more likely to get into trouble or do something bad.
What context can I use the in?
Example
My mom always told me that idle hands are the devil's handiwork.
Example
I need to keep myself busy, otherwise idle hands are the devil's handiwork.
Example
The teacher warned us that idle hands are the devil's handiwork, so we should stay focused
Is “Idle hands are the devil's handiwork” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Idle hands are the devil's handiwork” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Idle hands are the devil's handiwork” effectively in context?
You can use "Idle hands are the devil's handiwork" to emphasize the importance of staying busy and productive. It serves as a warning against idleness and encourages people to find meaningful activities to occupy their time. For example, if a friend is spending too much time watching TV and not pursuing their goals, you might say, 'Remember, idle hands are the devil's handiwork. It's important to stay focused and work towards your dreams.'
- 1Personal Life
To avoid getting into trouble, he decided to take up a hobby and keep himself busy. After all, idle hands are the devil's handiwork.
- 2School
The teacher reminded the students that idle hands are the devil's handiwork, and encouraged them to stay engaged in their studies.
- 3Parenting
The mother advised her children to find productive activities to do during their free time, as idle hands are the devil's handiwork.
Similar phrases to “Idle hands are the devil's handiwork”:
An idle mind is the devil's playground
When someone's mind is not occupied, they are more likely to think negative thoughts or engage in mischief.
Example
He always keeps himself mentally engaged because he knows that an idle mind is the devil's playground.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Idle hands are the devil's handiwork” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Idle hands are the devil's handiwork" can be traced back to the Bible. It is believed to be a paraphrase of a verse from the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament, which states, 'Idle hands are the devil's workshop.' The phrase emphasizes the idea that when people have nothing productive to do, they are more likely to engage in mischief or wrongdoing.
Is “Idle hands are the devil's handiwork” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Idle hands are the devil's handiwork" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it is still recognized and understood by many English speakers, especially those familiar with biblical references.
What tone does “Idle hands are the devil's handiwork” have?
"Idle hands are the devil's handiwork" conveys a cautionary tone. It serves as a reminder to stay active and avoid idleness, highlighting the potential negative consequences of having nothing productive to do.
Can “Idle hands are the devil's handiwork” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "Idle hands are the devil's handiwork" is considered to be more formal due to its biblical origins. It may be more commonly used in religious or educational contexts, such as sermons, discussions about morality, or academic settings. However, it can still be used in informal conversations to convey the same message.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She decided to take up gardening to keep herself busy, as idle hands are the devil's handiwork.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "idle hands are the devil's handiwork"!' to remind someone to stay active and avoid idleness.
