IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishplay devil's advocate
Meaning: To argue against something, not out of belief, but to test the argument.
Example: “I love the idea, but let me play devil's advocate: who pays for it?”
Origin: From the Catholic Church, where the "advocatus diaboli" was the official whose role was to argue against a candidate for sainthood. The office was formalized in the 16th century; the figurative English use dates from the 18th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: L'avocat du diable Literally: The devil's advocate
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