the dickens

phrase

informal + old-fashioned

—used to make a statement or question more forceful

What the dickens do you mean?

We'll have to work like the dickens to finish this project.

(US) It scared/frightened the dickens out of people.

(US) She's as cute as the dickens.

Examples of the dickens in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At least the carbon brakes won’t shed dust on the 21-inch wheels after driving like the dickens. — Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2026

However, Helms worked like the dickens to get back on the field, had a productive summer, built trust with a new staff and has since had a consistent role on the team. — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025

Rhymes for the dickens

• chickens
• quickens
• sickens
• thickens