let the devil out
The idiom "let the devil out" can signify releasing negative emotions or engaging in bad behavior, depending on the context.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To release one's inner negative emotions or impulses.
Example
- After the argument, he finally let the devil out and shouted at everyone.
B2Behavior
(informal)To act in a way that is morally wrong or socially unacceptable.
Example
- She let the devil out by cheating on the exam.
B2Emotional Expression
(informal)To allow oneself to express anger, frustration, or other strong emotions.
Example
- Sometimes you just need to let the devil out and cry.
B2Behavior
(informal)To engage in behavior that is wild, reckless, or unrestrained.
Example
- He let the devil out at the party, dancing on tables and shouting.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "let the devil out":
let outlet loosethe devillet ripdevil to paydevil dancinglet gocut loosehave it outdevil in one's eyesdevil's gripthe genie is out of the bottlelet offlet oneself goget outdevil's own