a devil of

idiom

informal

: very difficult or causing a lot of trouble

The new regulations have created a devil of a problem for many small businesses.

He had a devil of a time getting another job.

Examples of a devil of in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Photo: andrew caballero-reynolds/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images Over the years the Chinese private-equity firm Bohai Harvest Rosemont had a devil of a time trying to explain what role Hunter Biden played in the enterprise. —

James Freeman, WSJ, 27 Sep. 2023 In spite of their often moving narratives, startling imagery and millions of fans around the world, Hollywood has had a devil of a time trying to turn even the most popular games into creatively and commercially successful films and TV shows. —

Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2023 Those vehicles stuck in the faster lanes are all having a devil of a time. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2021 That being said, the cars are challenging to drive, not least because anyone even closely approaching six feet in height will have a devil of a time folding themselves into the cockpit. —

Robert Ross, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2021 Life can be a real witch or a devil of a good time. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 28 Oct. 2020 Despite all the reasons for chucking the change, lawmakers have had a devil of a time doing it. —

Krista Kafer, The Denver Post, 14 Feb. 2020