1006 Play devil's advocate

Explanation

To argue against an idea or position, not necessarily because you disagree, but to test its strength, explore weaknesses, or stimulate deeper discussion.

Origin

Derived from the historical role of the Advocatus Diaboli (Devil's Advocate) in the Roman Catholic Church's canonization process (making someone a saint).
This official's duty was to present arguments *against* the candidate's sainthood, ensuring a rigorous examination before declaration.
The term entered secular language to describe anyone taking an opposing stance for the sake of thorough debate or argument.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Just playing contrarian for a sec...
What if we look at it this way...?
Just throwing this out there... (less directly oppositional)

Milder/Standard:

Let's consider the potential downsides.
To look at it from another perspective...
Have we considered the counterarguments?

Vulgar/Emphatic: (Less common for the *act* itself, more for forcefully raising an objection):

Yeah, but what the fuck if [bad thing] happens? (This isn't playing devil's advocate idiomatically but serves a similar function aggressively).

Situational Appropriateness

Appropriate in discussions, debates, meetings (business, academic).
Generally acceptable in professional settings if done constructively.
Can be seen as negative or obstructive if done excessively or with the wrong tone.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Non-native speakers might think the person genuinely disagrees or is being intentionally difficult. Clarify it's a technique for thoroughness.

Examples

I actually support the proposal, but let me play devil's advocate: what are the main risks?
She enjoys playing devil's advocate in meetings to ensure we consider all perspectives.
Just to play devil's advocate, could this approach backfire?

Dialogue

Team Member A: I think we should launch the new feature next week.

Team Member B: Okay, let me play devil's advocate. Have we fully tested the server load? What if we get a huge spike in users?

Team Member A: That's a good point. Let's double-check the stress test results. Thanks for raising that.

Response Patterns

Okay, fair point. Let's consider that.
That's a valid concern.
Good question. Here's why I think it's not an issue...
Mild irritation if overused: Do you have to play devil's advocate on *everything*?
Encouragement: Good, we need someone to play devil's advocate.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After someone offers to play devil's advocate: Others usually listen to the counterargument.
After the point is raised: The group discusses the objection, seeks solutions (How can we address that?), or defends the original idea.
The person playing devil's advocate might clarify: Again, I'm not necessarily against it, just raising the point.

Conversation Starter

No. It's used mid-conversation to introduce a specific type of counterargument.

Intonation

Emphasis typically falls on play and devil's advocate.
Let me PLAY DEVIL'S ADVOCATE for a second.
Can have a slightly challenging or thoughtful tone.

Generation Differences

Widely understood and used across adult generations.

Regional Variations

Common in all major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.).

Lay it on thick

🎲 Win someone over

[1006] Play devil's advocate