a devil of

phrase

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

That’s an important caveat to highlight this week after Saniya Rivers had a devil of a time with another rookie, Paige Bueckers, in Tuesday’s meeting between Connecticut and Dallas. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 2 June 2025

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

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

Rhymes for a devil of

• hereinabove
• above
• foxglove
• hereof
• thereof
• whereof
• dove
• glove
• love
• shove