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Region: General | Usage example: His devil-may-care attitude hides nervousness.

Devil-may-care

Meaning

Recklessly carefree.

Usage

Describes a reckless or laissez-faire demeanor.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Adapts from 'the devil may care' meaning even he would not worry.

Used in Renaissance literature and then 20th-century slang.

Related Idioms

Throw caution to the wind

Act recklessly or with disregard for risk.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.