give the devil his due

and give the devil her due

Fig. to give your foe proper credit (for something). (This usually refers to a person who has been evil-like the devil.) She's very messy in the kitchen, but I have to give the devil her due. She bakes a terrific cherry pie. John is a bit too nosy, but he keeps his yard clean and is a kind neighbor. I'll give the devil his due.

give the devil his due

Give credit to what is good in a disagreeable or disliked person. For example, I don't like John's views on education, but give the devil his due, he always has something important to say , or I don't like what the new management has done, but give the devil his due, sales have improved . [Late 1500s]

give the devil his due

To give credit to a disagreeable or malevolent person.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Astles	['æslz]
Finbarr	FIN-bar	Irish
Eleanore	['elinə]
Niv	-	Hebrew
RiŠKo	-	Slovak
HỒNg	-	Vietnamese