the dickens

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And how the dickens did he get on the debate stage?

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2023

The play is called “Love of the Game” because, basically, the receiver just runs like the dickens and hopes to draw enough attention to free up other receivers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2022

He knows that “An Inconvenient Truth” scared the dickens out of some people.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 4, 2017

“He’s a human being. Little mistakes are made, different words are used – and everybody does it. As far as I can see, he’s trying the dickens to do a good job.”

From The Guardian • May 19, 2017

My arms and back complained like the dickens as I refilled the wash boiler, kept the water hot, rubbed grimy clothes on the washboard, wrung them out, and hung them to dry.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson