devil's advocate

Meaning

This term refers to someone who takes an opposing or alternative position in a discussion, not because they necessarily believe it, but to test the strength of the opposing argument or to encourage deeper thought. It is often introduced with the phrase 'to play devil's advocate'. It is a highly useful tool in debates, business meetings, and academic settings.

Examples

• I agree with your plan, but let me play devil's advocate for a second: what if the budget gets cut?

  I agree with your plan, but let me play devil's advocate for a second: what if the budget gets cut?

• She loves playing devil's advocate just to see how well we can defend our ideas.

  She loves playing devil's advocate just to see how well we can defend our ideas.

• To play devil's advocate, is there any proof that this new marketing strategy actually works?

  To play devil's advocate, is there any proof that this new marketing strategy actually works?

• He wasn't trying to be difficult; he was just playing devil's advocate to help us see all sides.

  He wasn't trying to be difficult; he was just playing devil's advocate to help us see all sides.

• Even if everyone agrees, someone needs to play devil's advocate so we don't miss any risks.

  Even if everyone agrees, someone needs to play devil's advocate so we don't miss any risks.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to act the devil advocate.

  ✓ I want to play devil's advocate.

  The standard collocation is 'play devil's advocate' and it requires the possessive 'devil's'.

• ✗ Let me play a devil's advocate.

  ✓ Let me play devil's advocate.

  Do not use the indefinite article 'a' in the phrase 'play devil's advocate'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I agree with your proposal, but just to play ___: what happens if our supplier goes bankrupt?

  💡 To argue the opposite side for the sake of debate

  Show answer

  devil's advocate

• She always plays ___ during brainstorming sessions to make sure we've considered every flaw.

  💡 Presenting an opposing point of view to test an idea

  Show answer

  devil's advocate