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.

The way the Rams’ game imploded should scare the dickens out of L.A.’s players and coaches.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 25, 2020

Partch and others have been trying like the dickens to save it.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2020

“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

So why the dickens would he say incorrectly that Nevada’s voters are 80 percent white in a state that’s sparsely polled but when it is polled shows her well into the clear?

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2016

It hurt like the dickens but I gritted my teeth and walked on.

From "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls