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.
There now are about a dozen post offices, he said, and it feels like “they’re trying like the dickens to shut those down.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2020
Partch and others have been trying like the dickens to save it.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 21, 2020
This would not be too bad, except we have very high ceilings and it echoes like the dickens.
From Slate ● Jan. 10, 2019
“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
“I’m sorry for that, and ought to thank him for not shaking me, I suppose. What the dickens does the fellow expect?” and the old gentleman looked a trifle ashamed of his own testiness.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
