There’s nothing funny about drinking and driving. There’s probably nothing funny about pretending to it also, but we had to find out!
To be persuaded to do something, especially something bad, because of the money or other reward you will receive for doing it
Cambridge Dictionary
To agree to do something bad in exchange for money, power etc
Longman Dictionary
The idiom “sell your soul to the devil” is a metaphorical expression that means making a morally or ethically questionable deal or compromise in exchange for personal gain, success, or some kind of benefit.
When someone is said to have “sold their soul to the devil,” it implies that they have sacrificed their principles, integrity, or values for material or worldly rewards.
It suggests a willingness to do anything, even something morally wrong, in pursuit of one’s desires or goals.
The phrase is often used to criticize actions that compromise ethical standards for short-term gains.
The idiom “sell your soul to the devil” encompasses several key points:
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Unethical Bargain:
- The phrase implies making a deal or bargain that involves compromising one’s morals or ethical principles.
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Personal Gain:
- The compromise is typically motivated by a desire for personal gain, success, or some form of benefit.
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Sacrificing Integrity:
- It suggests a willingness to sacrifice one’s integrity, values, or principles in exchange for material or worldly rewards.
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Morally Questionable Actions:
- The expression often conveys engaging in morally questionable or wrongful actions to achieve one’s goals.
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Short-Term Focus:
- The deal is usually associated with short-term gains, highlighting a lack of consideration for long-term consequences.
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Regrettable Consequences:
- Selling one’s soul to the devil implies that the individual may face regrettable consequences or negative outcomes in the pursuit of their desires.
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Metaphorical Nature:
- The idiom is metaphorical, indicating that it may not involve an actual supernatural entity but rather serves as a vivid expression for making morally compromising choices.
In summary, “selling your soul to the devil” captures the idea of compromising ethical standards for personal gain, often resulting in regrettable consequences and a disregard for long-term values.
