To pull the devil by the tail.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “To pull the devil by the tail.” mean?

"To pull the devil by the tail" means to take a great risk or do something very dangerous, based on the idea that the devil is a dangerous creature that should not be approached or touched, and pulling its tail would certainly be a very risky thing to do.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I can't believe you're going to try skydiving without any training. You're really pulling the devil by the tail.

Example

He decided to invest all his savings in a risky startup. He's definitely pulling the devil by the tail.

Example

She thought it would be a good idea to confront the boss about her raise without any evidence. She's really pulling the devil by the tail

Is “To pull the devil by the tail.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“To pull the devil by the tail.” 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 “To pull the devil by the tail.” effectively in context?

You can use "To pull the devil by the tail" to describe someone taking a great risk or doing something very dangerous. It emphasizes the idea that approaching or touching the devil, a dangerous creature, would be extremely risky. For example, if a friend tells you they're going to try skydiving without any training, you might say, 'You're really pulling the devil by the tail.'

• 1. Adventure

  I can't believe you're going to try skydiving without any training. You're really pulling the devil by the tail.

• 2. Investment

  He decided to invest all his savings in a risky startup. He's definitely pulling the devil by the tail.

• 3. Confrontation

  She thought it would be a good idea to confront the boss about her raise without any evidence. She's really pulling the devil by the tail.

Similar phrases to “To pull the devil by the tail.”:

Play with fire

To engage in a risky or dangerous activity

Example

He's playing with fire by investing all his money in that company.

Dance with the devil

To engage in a dangerous or risky situation

Example

She's dancing with the devil by getting involved with that criminal organization.

Courting disaster

To engage in actions that are likely to lead to a negative outcome

Example

They're courting disaster by ignoring safety protocols.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “To pull the devil by the tail.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "To pull the devil by the tail" is unknown.

Is “To pull the devil by the tail.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "To pull the devil by the tail" is not very common in everyday conversation. It may be more commonly used in literary or poetic contexts.

What tone does “To pull the devil by the tail.” have?

"To pull the devil by the tail" conveys a tone of warning and caution. It suggests that the action being taken is extremely risky and potentially dangerous.

Can “To pull the devil by the tail.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "To pull the devil by the tail" is more formal in nature. It may not be commonly used in casual conversations, but it can be used in more formal settings such as writing or public speaking.

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, 'He's really pulling the devil by the tail with that investment.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'You're really "pulling the devil by the tail"!' to express surprise or concern.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• take a leap of faith
• push one's luck
• walk on thin ice
• live dangerously
• court danger

Antonyms

• play it safe
• exercise caution
• avoid risks
• stay out of harm's way