A devil of a job/time

phrase

A very difficult or challenging job or time.

I'm having a devil of a job finding a suitable replacement for the position.
Visual representation of "a devil of a job/time" - A very difficult or challenging job or time.

Often appears as...

  • have a devil of a job
  • making a devil of a time

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

A very bothersome or annoying situation.

The recurring technical glitch is proving to be a devil of a job to fix.
Visual representation of "a devil of a job/time" - A very bothersome or annoying situation

Often appears as...

  • causing a devil of a job
  • dealing with a devil of a time

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

A very difficult or challenging job or time.

I'm having a devil of a job finding a suitable replacement for the position.
Visual representation of "a devil of a job/time" - A very difficult or challenging job or time.

Often appears as...

  • have a devil of a job
  • making a devil of a time

Usage tips

Colloquial

phrase

A very bothersome or annoying situation.

The recurring technical glitch is proving to be a devil of a job to fix.
Visual representation of "a devil of a job/time" - A very bothersome or annoying situation

Often appears as...

  • causing a devil of a job
  • dealing with a devil of a time

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "a devil of a job/time"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emphasis on Difficulty

The phrase adds strong emphasis to how hard a task is, often more than just 'difficult'.

Illustration for Emphasis on Difficulty
Organizing the charity event turned out to be a devil of a job with the tight budget.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Frustration

Use it to express personal frustration due to the challenge faced.

Illustration for Emotional Frustration
Trying to calm the unhappy customers was a devil of a job that left me exhausted.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Colour

It's conversational English, so it fits better in informal talks than formal writings.

Illustration for Colloquial Colour
She's had a devil of a job decorating her new home, but she loves doing it.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emphasis on Difficulty

The phrase adds strong emphasis to how hard a task is, often more than just 'difficult'.

Illustration for Emphasis on Difficulty
Organizing the charity event turned out to be a devil of a job with the tight budget.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Frustration

Use it to express personal frustration due to the challenge faced.

Illustration for Emotional Frustration
Trying to calm the unhappy customers was a devil of a job that left me exhausted.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Colour

It's conversational English, so it fits better in informal talks than formal writings.

Illustration for Colloquial Colour
She's had a devil of a job decorating her new home, but she loves doing it.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emphasis on Difficulty

The phrase adds strong emphasis to how hard a task is, often more than just 'difficult'.

Illustration for Emphasis on Difficulty
Organizing the charity event turned out to be a devil of a job with the tight budget.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Frustration

Use it to express personal frustration due to the challenge faced.

Illustration for Emotional Frustration
Trying to calm the unhappy customers was a devil of a job that left me exhausted.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Colour

It's conversational English, so it fits better in informal talks than formal writings.

Illustration for Colloquial Colour
She's had a devil of a job decorating her new home, but she loves doing it.
Visual representation of the word "A devil of a job/time"

Never forget "A devil of a job/time"

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google PlayGet it from MicrosoftGet it on AppGallery
Chrome

WordUp Chrome Extension

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.

Get Chrome Extension
Back to top