Region: General | Usage example: I will play devil's advocate so we can see weaknesses in the plan.

Devil's advocate

Meaning

Someone who argues a counterpoint for the sake of debate.

Used in meetings to test ideas by challenging them.

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

From the Catholic Church official who argued against canonizations.

Became secular shorthand for intentional skepticism in the 20th century.