devil in one's eyes

Definitions

1. A look that reflects an underlying trait that is associated with the devil
2. A look that reflects an underlying evil or corruption
3. A lascivious look
4. An expression of willfulness or defiance
5. A mischievous look

Examples

“At times I thought of throwing myself on the mercy of Wolf Larsen, but the vision of the mocking devil in his eyes that questioned life and sneered at it would come⟳ strong upon me and compel me to refrain.”

“She was so glad to see⟳ me, and laughed and talked, but when she saw⟳ the devil in my eyes she grew frightened, and cried just as you heard her cry⟳ tonight.”

“A few people say⟳ being tiny and white as an angel is a good omen, but far more say⟳ I'm evil, that I was the cause of that plague, and that they see⟳ the devil in my eyes.”

“I can see⟳ the devil in your eyes that you try⟳ to keep⟳ a tight leash on.”

“Her mom slapped fire out of her and had the look⟳ of the devil in her eyes as she did it.”

““Now are you going to put⟳ this ointment on my back or not?” Conrad's lip curled upward; he had the very devil in his eyes.”

“She despised the different cabals jockeying for political influence⟳ and particularly distrusted Hamilton (" I have⟳ seen the devil in his eyes,” she said, “his wicked eyes. The very devil is in them. They are lasciviousness itself”—though these observations are probably more about his lust for Maria Reynolds and other young women than about his politics.).”

“I saw⟳ the devil in your eyes that night. The way you looked at me was not yours. They were lustful looks from the devil to push⟳ me towards you.”

“"Dear me!" said Holmes, "he seems a quiet, meek-mannered man enough, but I dare say⟳ that there was a lurking devil in his eyes. I had pictured him as a more robust and ruffianly person."”

“Now, from the devil in her eyes, he saw⟳ that she intended making things further uncomfortable for him.”

“I just looked at her with the devil in my eyes and replied, 'No. It's mine.' I was not letting go.”

“I turned to leave⟳, and Leah Beth was standing by the gate, an impish smile⟳ on her lips and the devil in her eyes.”

“A comparative photograph of Johnny at this time in the early *40s shows a boy rascally and snaggled, some of the merry devil in his eyes.”

“Scott was centered below Sheila, with a half grin and the devil in his eyes. You had to wonder⟳ whether he was thinking about some mischief he had just perpetrated or thinking about some new mischief he could get⟳ into.”

CEFR level