The devil looks after his own
phrase
People who do bad things often seem to benefit from their actions.
He cheated his way to success, but as they say, the devil looks after his own.
Often appears as...
- the devil looks after his own
- say
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
People who do bad things often seem to benefit from their actions.
He cheated his way to success, but as they say, the devil looks after his own.
Often appears as...
- the devil looks after his own
- say
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Meaning
The phrase implies that unscrupulous individuals often avoid consequences and even thrive.
Despite the dishonesty in his business, it seems the devil looks after his own as he continues to prosper.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversational Tone
Used informally, often to express resignation or cynicism about someone's undeserved success.
She never plays fair and yet keeps winning—well, the devil looks after his own, doesn't he?
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Insight
It reflects a worldview where moral integrity doesn't guarantee success, contrary to many cultural narratives.
He scams people and lives in luxury, making the proverb 'the devil looks after his own' sadly relevant.
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Meaning
The phrase implies that unscrupulous individuals often avoid consequences and even thrive.
Despite the dishonesty in his business, it seems the devil looks after his own as he continues to prosper.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversational Tone
Used informally, often to express resignation or cynicism about someone's undeserved success.
She never plays fair and yet keeps winning—well, the devil looks after his own, doesn't he?
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Insight
It reflects a worldview where moral integrity doesn't guarantee success, contrary to many cultural narratives.
He scams people and lives in luxury, making the proverb 'the devil looks after his own' sadly relevant.
Pro Tip 1/3Idiomatic Meaning
The phrase implies that unscrupulous individuals often avoid consequences and even thrive.
Despite the dishonesty in his business, it seems the devil looks after his own as he continues to prosper.
Pro Tip 2/3Conversational Tone
Used informally, often to express resignation or cynicism about someone's undeserved success.
She never plays fair and yet keeps winning—well, the devil looks after his own, doesn't he?
Pro Tip 3/3Cultural Insight
It reflects a worldview where moral integrity doesn't guarantee success, contrary to many cultural narratives.
He scams people and lives in luxury, making the proverb 'the devil looks after his own' sadly relevant.
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