go to the devil

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To go to a bad or unpleasant place or situation; used in expressions of contempt or angry dismissal.

Register: derogatory, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

I never want to see my ex-wife again. She can go to the devil for all I care.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “go to the devil” mean?

To go to a bad or unpleasant place or situation; used in expressions of contempt or angry dismissal.

Is “go to the devil” formal or informal?

go to the devil is generally derogatory, slang.