meaning of "playing devil's advocate"

[Monika L.]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #70 "What the Devil", question 6

She likes to take the opposite point of view and play the devil's ..........

(a) lawyer
(b) advocate
(c) support
(d) attitude

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #70 "What the Devil", answer 6

She likes to take the opposite point of view and play the devil's advocate.

Correct answer: (b) advocate
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What does this mean? playing devil's advocate

Monika L.

[Alan]

Hi Monica,

This expression means 'take an opposing view'. Sometimes in an argument or a discussion someone will 'play the devil's advocate' (take an opposite point of view) in order to test the value of the argument or discusiion which is being proposed by other people.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Not Really