Dancing with the devil – meaning, origin and usage

Ever wondered what’s meant by the phrase “dancing with the devil”? read on to learn all about it, including how it originated and how to use the idiom.

What does the phrase “dancing with the devil” mean?

The phrase “dancing with the devil” is used to represent the idea of someone engaging in risky, potentially immoral, or dangerous behavior. The idiom is often said as a warning against disobedience and the potential consequences of such actions.

The “devil” in this metaphor represents harm, danger, temptation, or immorality, while “dancing” suggests willingly participating in or engaging with these negative elements through associating with bad people or engaging in risky activities.

What’s the origin of the phrase “dancing with the devil”?

The phrase “dancing with the devil” is believed to have its origins in a cautionary folk tale called “Bailando con el Diablo,“ which translates as “Dancing with the Devil. It is a widespread legend, among Mexican-American communities, especially in the Borderlands.

The core narrative of the tale involves a young girl, who defies warnings (like those from parents or religious figures) and attends a dance or party, where she encounters a handsome stranger, who is later revealed to be the devil. The consequences for dancing with the devil can vary, with some versions suggesting the girl dies, goes crazy, or suffers burns from the devil’s touch. The story often warns against disobeying figures of authority, engaging in risky behavior, or associating with potentially dangerous figures.

The precise time of origin of this legend is not known, however a similar phrase appears in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales produced around 1386.

How to use the phrase “dancing with the devil” featuring example usage

The idiom “dancing with the devil” is most often used in an informal and humorous way, and is often used to refer to risky activities such as gambling, investing in bitcoin, and drug taking.

That said however, the phrase can also apply in other settings, such as within political or business contexts.

Here are some examples of the phrase in use:

• “She knew she was taking a huge risk, but she decided to dance with the devil by going out dancing at a nightclub”.
• “He knew the people he was dealing with were dishonest, but he had to dance with the devil to get the money he needed pay for the treatment”.

What are some other ways of saying “dancing with the devil”?

If you’re chatting with someone who may be unfamiliar with English idioms, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are several other words and phrases that can often be used in its place. Here are some examples:

• Playing with fire
• Walking on thin ice
• Playing in the devils playground
• Dabbling in the dark arts
• Making a deal with the devil

Final word

So, to sum up, the idiom “dancing with the devil” refers to the idea of someone engaging in risky, potentially immoral, or dangerous behavior. The phrase is believed to be derived from a Mexican-American folktale where a young girl defies warnings from others and attends a dance or party, where she encounters a handsome stranger, later revealed to be the devil himself. The tale and the phrase emphasise a need for caution.