“Devil’s advocate” refers to a person who deliberately argues a contrary or unpopular position, often to test an idea or encourage fuller discussion.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
“Devil’s advocate” means someone who argues the opposite side, often to test reasoning or stimulate discussion.
Key details
Canonical Formdevil's advocate
Core Meaningsomeone who argues a contrary or unpopular position in order to test an idea or encourage discussion
Further guidance
Contextual Examples
I agree with the proposal, but I’ll play devil’s advocate: what happens if demand doubles?
She acted as devil’s advocate so the team would test its assumptions before launch.
History Boundary
The page publishes the current dictionary-supported meaning without claiming an exact inventor, coinage date, or absolute first use.
Meaning
someone who argues a contrary or unpopular position in order to test an idea or encourage discussion
Meaning Boundary
Disagreeing sincerely is not necessarily “playing devil’s advocate.” The phrase specifically suggests adopting a contrary position for the sake of examination or debate.
Practical Use
Use the expression when a person deliberately argues an opposing position to test reasoning, expose weaknesses, or broaden discussion, even if that position is not their own belief.
Usage Boundary
The phrase describes an argumentative role; it does not by itself mean that the speaker personally believes the position being argued.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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“A taste of your own medicine” refers to treating someone in the same unpleasant way that they have treated others. Cambridge records both “dose” and “taste” in the established expression. This guide limits the page to current form and meaning and does not add an unsupported origin story.
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