How to Pronounce "the devil finds work for idle hands to do"
expression
Definition
This expression means that if people have nothing to do, they are more likely to get into trouble or do bad things. It warns that staying busy helps people avoid negative behavior.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdɛvəɫ/ /ˈfaɪndz/ /ˈwɝk/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈaɪdəɫ/ /ˈhændz/, /ˈhænz/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ/ /ˈdu
British English
ðə, ði/ /dˈɛvəl/ /fˈaɪndz/ /wˈɜːk/ /fˈɔː/ /ˈaɪdəl/ /hˈændz/ /tˈuː/ /dʉː
Simplified Pronunciation
US
thuh DEV-uhl FINDS WURK fer EYE-dull HANDZ tuh DOO
UK
thuh DEV-uhl FINDS WURK faw EYE-dull HANDZ too DOO
Listen in Context
My grandmother always said, 'the devil finds work for idle hands to do' when I was bored.
Teachers often remind students that 'the devil finds work for idle hands to do'.
He got into trouble during the holidays, proving that 'the devil finds work for idle hands to do'.
You know what they say—the devil finds work for idle hands to do. Better keep yourself busy!