Question

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom/phrase from the given option.
Devil’s advocate
a)A dangerous person
b)A person who presents counter arguments
c)Very argumentative person
d)Creating an unpleasant situation

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom refers to a group of words or a phrase that has a different meaning from the literal meaning of its words.

Complete Step by Step Answer:

 Devil’s advocate refers to someone who holds a detested opinion or debates just for the sake of argument. The idiom was derived in the 1500s during the canonization process of the Roman Catholic Church. An official was appointed as the Devil’s advocate to argue against the canonization of the candidate.
Let’s look at the idiom’s usage:
Example- The defense lawyer played devil’s advocate to delay the hearing. Here, we can understand that the lawyer debated and presented counter-arguments to delay the hearing.
Now, let’s examine the given options:
a)A dangerous person- It refers to a person who is vicious and murderous. It is different in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
b)A person who presents counter-arguments- It refers to a person who disputes an idea or an opinion for the sake of argument. It is similar in meaning to the given idiom. Hence, it is the correct option.
c)Very argumentative person- It is not necessary that an argumentative person will present counter-arguments to prove his point. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
d)Creating an unpleasant situation- It has a completely different meaning from the given idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note: Do not get confused between Option b and Options c. Both refer to an argumentative person but in option b, the argumentative person is more focused on producing counter-arguments.