Mixing
Idiom for blaming a bad act on the devil
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Some people believe the Devil could inspire wrong-doings. I'm looking for a common expression where you can blame on the Devil such an action you have done. Implicit in the meaning is that we don't take full responsibility for doing that thing because we have been tempted to do so by the Devil. Here's the context I'm using it in:
A: Remember when you tried to steal your uncle's car?
B: It was just a devil-inspired act.
phrase-request
asked Aug 7 at 15:14
Sara
1,0441622
add a comment |Â
up vote
16
down vote
favorite
Some people believe the Devil could inspire wrong-doings. I'm looking for a common expression where you can blame on the Devil such an action you have done. Implicit in the meaning is that we don't take full responsibility for doing that thing because we have been tempted to do so by the Devil. Here's the context I'm using it in:
A: Remember when you tried to steal your uncle's car?
B: It was just a devil-inspired act.
phrase-request
asked Aug 7 at 15:14
Sara
1,0441622
add a comment |Â
up vote
16
down vote
favorite
up vote
16
down vote
favorite
Some people believe the Devil could inspire wrong-doings. I'm looking for a common expression where you can blame on the Devil such an action you have done. Implicit in the meaning is that we don't take full responsibility for doing that thing because we have been tempted to do so by the Devil. Here's the context I'm using it in:
A: Remember when you tried to steal your uncle's car?
B: It was just a devil-inspired act.
phrase-request
asked Aug 7 at 15:14
Sara
1,0441622
Some people believe the Devil could inspire wrong-doings. I'm looking for a common expression where you can blame on the Devil such an action you have done. Implicit in the meaning is that we don't take full responsibility for doing that thing because we have been tempted to do so by the Devil. Here's the context I'm using it in:
A: Remember when you tried to steal your uncle's car?
B: It was just a devil-inspired act.
phrase-request
asked Aug 7 at 15:14
Sara
1,0441622
asked Aug 7 at 15:14
Sara
1,0441622
asked Aug 7 at 15:14
Sara
1,0441622
asked Aug 7 at 15:14
Sara
1,0441622
1,0441622
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
50
down vote
accepted
A well-known phrase is The Devil made me do it.
From the CBS News article "Comedian Flip Wilson Dead at 64," it was popularized on The Flip Wilson Show when the comedian routinely spoke the phrase while in costume as "Geraldine." It "became part of the national language."
answered Aug 7 at 15:34
Jason Bassford
8,4871926
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
My group of friends and I use the phrase "Satan had the wheel." Usually the phrase is prompted by someone asking something like "I can't believe you did that!"
or
"how did you get away with that one?
It's a play on that country song that goes "Jesus take the wheel."
answered Aug 7 at 22:40
Aethenosity
1914
3
Not sure if an inside joke can be considered an idiom...
– siledh
Aug 8 at 13:01
5
Idk I kind of like this one.
– LawrenceC
Aug 8 at 14:53
4
@siledh I hear what you're saying, but it is a modification of an idiom, so I figured it would still be helpful. I appreciate the feedback.
– Aethenosity
Aug 8 at 17:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
You could say, "I was possessed by the Devil."
Demonic possession is a common theme in religion and the arts. The word "possessed" is well known and in this usage it would be easily understood to mean you believe that you don't bear personal responsibility for your action.
From the Merriam-Webster dictionary:
possessed (1) : influenced or controlled by something (such as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea) (2) : mad, crazed
Furthermore, demonic possession has been used as a criminal defense in court cases. Here's one example.
When Johnson’s trial came, his defense attorney, Martin Minnella,
decided to use the alleged demonic possession as an actual legal
defense for his client. It would be the first time in United States
history in which the defense sought to prove innocence by arguing
demonic possession and therefore a lack of personal responsibility. Source
answered Aug 7 at 22:46
Headblender
1692
2
While the dictionary definition fits, in Christian theology demonic possession is distinct from influence. A possessed person is completely under the control of the demon; the demon can speak through their mouth, cause their limbs to move, and generally override their will completely. Hence in terms of "the devil made me do it", claiming possession is a much stronger claim than mere temptation. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possession#Christianity
– Paul Johnson
Aug 8 at 16:12
2
@PaulJohnson That's true, but nowadays people like to exaggerate a lot :P
– somebody
Aug 8 at 23:01
@somebody Epic comment.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 9 at 3:41
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
It was a Faustian act.
Faust is a character in a German legend. But any educated English person will know what you mean.
answered Aug 8 at 14:25
Huw Evans
1331
1
note that "Faustian" often implies an intentional bargaining, not necessarily and accidental occurrence.
– JacobIRR
Aug 8 at 22:31
add a comment |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
50
down vote
accepted
A well-known phrase is The Devil made me do it.
From the CBS News article "Comedian Flip Wilson Dead at 64," it was popularized on The Flip Wilson Show when the comedian routinely spoke the phrase while in costume as "Geraldine." It "became part of the national language."
answered Aug 7 at 15:34
Jason Bassford
8,4871926
add a comment |Â
up vote
50
down vote
accepted
A well-known phrase is The Devil made me do it.
From the CBS News article "Comedian Flip Wilson Dead at 64," it was popularized on The Flip Wilson Show when the comedian routinely spoke the phrase while in costume as "Geraldine." It "became part of the national language."
answered Aug 7 at 15:34
Jason Bassford
8,4871926
add a comment |Â
up vote
50
down vote
accepted
up vote
50
down vote
accepted
A well-known phrase is The Devil made me do it.
From the CBS News article "Comedian Flip Wilson Dead at 64," it was popularized on The Flip Wilson Show when the comedian routinely spoke the phrase while in costume as "Geraldine." It "became part of the national language."
answered Aug 7 at 15:34
Jason Bassford
8,4871926
A well-known phrase is The Devil made me do it.
From the CBS News article "Comedian Flip Wilson Dead at 64," it was popularized on The Flip Wilson Show when the comedian routinely spoke the phrase while in costume as "Geraldine." It "became part of the national language."
answered Aug 7 at 15:34
Jason Bassford
8,4871926
edited Aug 7 at 15:56
answered Aug 7 at 15:34
Jason Bassford
8,4871926
answered Aug 7 at 15:34
Jason Bassford
8,4871926
answered Aug 7 at 15:34
Jason Bassford
8,4871926
8,4871926
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
My group of friends and I use the phrase "Satan had the wheel." Usually the phrase is prompted by someone asking something like "I can't believe you did that!"
or
"how did you get away with that one?
It's a play on that country song that goes "Jesus take the wheel."
answered Aug 7 at 22:40
Aethenosity
1914
3
Not sure if an inside joke can be considered an idiom...
– siledh
Aug 8 at 13:01
5
Idk I kind of like this one.
– LawrenceC
Aug 8 at 14:53
4
@siledh I hear what you're saying, but it is a modification of an idiom, so I figured it would still be helpful. I appreciate the feedback.
– Aethenosity
Aug 8 at 17:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
My group of friends and I use the phrase "Satan had the wheel." Usually the phrase is prompted by someone asking something like "I can't believe you did that!"
or
"how did you get away with that one?
It's a play on that country song that goes "Jesus take the wheel."
answered Aug 7 at 22:40
Aethenosity
1914
3
Not sure if an inside joke can be considered an idiom...
– siledh
Aug 8 at 13:01
5
Idk I kind of like this one.
– LawrenceC
Aug 8 at 14:53
4
@siledh I hear what you're saying, but it is a modification of an idiom, so I figured it would still be helpful. I appreciate the feedback.
– Aethenosity
Aug 8 at 17:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
8
down vote
up vote
8
down vote
My group of friends and I use the phrase "Satan had the wheel." Usually the phrase is prompted by someone asking something like "I can't believe you did that!"
or
"how did you get away with that one?
It's a play on that country song that goes "Jesus take the wheel."
answered Aug 7 at 22:40
Aethenosity
1914
My group of friends and I use the phrase "Satan had the wheel." Usually the phrase is prompted by someone asking something like "I can't believe you did that!"
or
"how did you get away with that one?
It's a play on that country song that goes "Jesus take the wheel."
answered Aug 7 at 22:40
Aethenosity
1914
answered Aug 7 at 22:40
Aethenosity
1914
answered Aug 7 at 22:40
Aethenosity
1914
answered Aug 7 at 22:40
Aethenosity
1914
1914
3
Not sure if an inside joke can be considered an idiom...
– siledh
Aug 8 at 13:01
5
Idk I kind of like this one.
– LawrenceC
Aug 8 at 14:53
4
@siledh I hear what you're saying, but it is a modification of an idiom, so I figured it would still be helpful. I appreciate the feedback.
– Aethenosity
Aug 8 at 17:22
add a comment |Â
3
Not sure if an inside joke can be considered an idiom...
– siledh
Aug 8 at 13:01
5
Idk I kind of like this one.
– LawrenceC
Aug 8 at 14:53
4
@siledh I hear what you're saying, but it is a modification of an idiom, so I figured it would still be helpful. I appreciate the feedback.
– Aethenosity
Aug 8 at 17:22
3
3
Not sure if an inside joke can be considered an idiom...
– siledh
Aug 8 at 13:01
Not sure if an inside joke can be considered an idiom...
– siledh
Aug 8 at 13:01
5
5
Idk I kind of like this one.
– LawrenceC
Aug 8 at 14:53
Idk I kind of like this one.
– LawrenceC
Aug 8 at 14:53
4
4
@siledh I hear what you're saying, but it is a modification of an idiom, so I figured it would still be helpful. I appreciate the feedback.
– Aethenosity
Aug 8 at 17:22
@siledh I hear what you're saying, but it is a modification of an idiom, so I figured it would still be helpful. I appreciate the feedback.
– Aethenosity
Aug 8 at 17:22
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
You could say, "I was possessed by the Devil."
Demonic possession is a common theme in religion and the arts. The word "possessed" is well known and in this usage it would be easily understood to mean you believe that you don't bear personal responsibility for your action.
From the Merriam-Webster dictionary:
possessed (1) : influenced or controlled by something (such as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea) (2) : mad, crazed
Furthermore, demonic possession has been used as a criminal defense in court cases. Here's one example.
When Johnson’s trial came, his defense attorney, Martin Minnella,
decided to use the alleged demonic possession as an actual legal
defense for his client. It would be the first time in United States
history in which the defense sought to prove innocence by arguing
demonic possession and therefore a lack of personal responsibility. Source
answered Aug 7 at 22:46
Headblender
1692
2
While the dictionary definition fits, in Christian theology demonic possession is distinct from influence. A possessed person is completely under the control of the demon; the demon can speak through their mouth, cause their limbs to move, and generally override their will completely. Hence in terms of "the devil made me do it", claiming possession is a much stronger claim than mere temptation. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possession#Christianity
– Paul Johnson
Aug 8 at 16:12
2
@PaulJohnson That's true, but nowadays people like to exaggerate a lot :P
– somebody
Aug 8 at 23:01
@somebody Epic comment.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 9 at 3:41
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
You could say, "I was possessed by the Devil."
Demonic possession is a common theme in religion and the arts. The word "possessed" is well known and in this usage it would be easily understood to mean you believe that you don't bear personal responsibility for your action.
From the Merriam-Webster dictionary:
possessed (1) : influenced or controlled by something (such as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea) (2) : mad, crazed
Furthermore, demonic possession has been used as a criminal defense in court cases. Here's one example.
When Johnson’s trial came, his defense attorney, Martin Minnella,
decided to use the alleged demonic possession as an actual legal
defense for his client. It would be the first time in United States
history in which the defense sought to prove innocence by arguing
demonic possession and therefore a lack of personal responsibility. Source
answered Aug 7 at 22:46
Headblender
1692
2
While the dictionary definition fits, in Christian theology demonic possession is distinct from influence. A possessed person is completely under the control of the demon; the demon can speak through their mouth, cause their limbs to move, and generally override their will completely. Hence in terms of "the devil made me do it", claiming possession is a much stronger claim than mere temptation. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possession#Christianity
– Paul Johnson
Aug 8 at 16:12
2
@PaulJohnson That's true, but nowadays people like to exaggerate a lot :P
– somebody
Aug 8 at 23:01
@somebody Epic comment.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 9 at 3:41
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
You could say, "I was possessed by the Devil."
Demonic possession is a common theme in religion and the arts. The word "possessed" is well known and in this usage it would be easily understood to mean you believe that you don't bear personal responsibility for your action.
From the Merriam-Webster dictionary:
possessed (1) : influenced or controlled by something (such as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea) (2) : mad, crazed
Furthermore, demonic possession has been used as a criminal defense in court cases. Here's one example.
When Johnson’s trial came, his defense attorney, Martin Minnella,
decided to use the alleged demonic possession as an actual legal
defense for his client. It would be the first time in United States
history in which the defense sought to prove innocence by arguing
demonic possession and therefore a lack of personal responsibility. Source
answered Aug 7 at 22:46
Headblender
1692
You could say, "I was possessed by the Devil."
Demonic possession is a common theme in religion and the arts. The word "possessed" is well known and in this usage it would be easily understood to mean you believe that you don't bear personal responsibility for your action.
From the Merriam-Webster dictionary:
possessed (1) : influenced or controlled by something (such as an evil spirit, a passion, or an idea) (2) : mad, crazed
Furthermore, demonic possession has been used as a criminal defense in court cases. Here's one example.
When Johnson’s trial came, his defense attorney, Martin Minnella,
decided to use the alleged demonic possession as an actual legal
defense for his client. It would be the first time in United States
history in which the defense sought to prove innocence by arguing
demonic possession and therefore a lack of personal responsibility. Source
answered Aug 7 at 22:46
Headblender
1692
answered Aug 7 at 22:46
Headblender
1692
answered Aug 7 at 22:46
Headblender
1692
answered Aug 7 at 22:46
Headblender
1692
1692
2
While the dictionary definition fits, in Christian theology demonic possession is distinct from influence. A possessed person is completely under the control of the demon; the demon can speak through their mouth, cause their limbs to move, and generally override their will completely. Hence in terms of "the devil made me do it", claiming possession is a much stronger claim than mere temptation. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possession#Christianity
– Paul Johnson
Aug 8 at 16:12
2
@PaulJohnson That's true, but nowadays people like to exaggerate a lot :P
– somebody
Aug 8 at 23:01
@somebody Epic comment.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 9 at 3:41
add a comment |Â
2
While the dictionary definition fits, in Christian theology demonic possession is distinct from influence. A possessed person is completely under the control of the demon; the demon can speak through their mouth, cause their limbs to move, and generally override their will completely. Hence in terms of "the devil made me do it", claiming possession is a much stronger claim than mere temptation. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possession#Christianity
– Paul Johnson
Aug 8 at 16:12
2
@PaulJohnson That's true, but nowadays people like to exaggerate a lot :P
– somebody
Aug 8 at 23:01
@somebody Epic comment.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 9 at 3:41
2
2
While the dictionary definition fits, in Christian theology demonic possession is distinct from influence. A possessed person is completely under the control of the demon; the demon can speak through their mouth, cause their limbs to move, and generally override their will completely. Hence in terms of "the devil made me do it", claiming possession is a much stronger claim than mere temptation. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possession#Christianity
– Paul Johnson
Aug 8 at 16:12
While the dictionary definition fits, in Christian theology demonic possession is distinct from influence. A possessed person is completely under the control of the demon; the demon can speak through their mouth, cause their limbs to move, and generally override their will completely. Hence in terms of "the devil made me do it", claiming possession is a much stronger claim than mere temptation. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonic_possession#Christianity
– Paul Johnson
Aug 8 at 16:12
2
2
@PaulJohnson That's true, but nowadays people like to exaggerate a lot :P
– somebody
Aug 8 at 23:01
@PaulJohnson That's true, but nowadays people like to exaggerate a lot :P
– somebody
Aug 8 at 23:01
@somebody Epic comment.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 9 at 3:41
@somebody Epic comment.
– Kodos Johnson
Aug 9 at 3:41
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
It was a Faustian act.
Faust is a character in a German legend. But any educated English person will know what you mean.
answered Aug 8 at 14:25
Huw Evans
1331
1
note that "Faustian" often implies an intentional bargaining, not necessarily and accidental occurrence.
– JacobIRR
Aug 8 at 22:31
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
It was a Faustian act.
Faust is a character in a German legend. But any educated English person will know what you mean.
answered Aug 8 at 14:25
Huw Evans
1331
1
note that "Faustian" often implies an intentional bargaining, not necessarily and accidental occurrence.
– JacobIRR
Aug 8 at 22:31
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
It was a Faustian act.
Faust is a character in a German legend. But any educated English person will know what you mean.
answered Aug 8 at 14:25
Huw Evans
1331
It was a Faustian act.
Faust is a character in a German legend. But any educated English person will know what you mean.
answered Aug 8 at 14:25
Huw Evans
1331
answered Aug 8 at 14:25
Huw Evans
1331
answered Aug 8 at 14:25
Huw Evans
1331
answered Aug 8 at 14:25
Huw Evans
1331
1331
1
note that "Faustian" often implies an intentional bargaining, not necessarily and accidental occurrence.
– JacobIRR
Aug 8 at 22:31
add a comment |Â
1
note that "Faustian" often implies an intentional bargaining, not necessarily and accidental occurrence.
– JacobIRR
Aug 8 at 22:31
1
1
note that "Faustian" often implies an intentional bargaining, not necessarily and accidental occurrence.
– JacobIRR
Aug 8 at 22:31
note that "Faustian" often implies an intentional bargaining, not necessarily and accidental occurrence.
– JacobIRR
Aug 8 at 22:31
add a comment |Â
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