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What does “play devil's advocate” mean?
Meaning, example sentences and a quick practice question.
B2
To argue the opposite side, often just to test an idea
“I'll play devil's advocate for a moment: what if it fails?”
From the B2 lesson Agree to Disagree (disagreeing politely).
C1
To argue the opposite side, often just to test an idea
“Let me play devil's advocate for a moment.”
From the C1 lesson Agree to Disagree (disagreeing politely).
Quick check
What does “play devil's advocate” mean?
Teaching this phrase?“play devil's advocate” is part of a ready-to-teach lesson, with a reading, three exercises, speaking tasks and an answer key, in Everyday English Chunks B2 Pack 1 (Life, People and Places) and Everyday English Chunks C1 Pack 1 (Life, People and Places).
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
See the B2 lesson pack See the C1 lesson pack
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Related phrases
- see your pointto understand why someone thinks the way they do, even if you disagree
- beg to differto politely disagree with someone
- meet halfwayto compromise, with each side giving up something
- on the same pagehaving the same understanding or opinion as someone else
- agree to disagreeto accept that you won't reach the same opinion, and stop arguing
- change your mindto decide something different from what you thought before
- stick to your gunsto refuse to change your opinion, despite pressure
- have a bone to pick (with someone)to want to talk to someone about something you're annoyed about
- get your point acrossto successfully make someone understand your opinion
- see where someone is coming fromto understand the reasons behind someone's opinion, even if you disagree
- split the differenceto compromise, often meeting exactly halfway
- stand your groundto refuse to change your opinion or position, despite pressure