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 play is called “Love of the Game” because, basically, the receiver just runs like the dickens and hopes to draw enough attention to free up other receivers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2022

The youngster “impressed the dickens out of me,” Eberhart said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 7, 2021

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Farmer and former Nebraska senator Norm Wallman: ‘Anything to get the ball rolling . You can plant it early in the spring, and it’s tough as the dickens.’

From The Guardian • Jun. 12, 2016

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

“I’m sorry for that, and ought to thank him for not shaking me, I suppose. What the dickens does the fellow expect?” and the old gentleman looked a trifle ashamed of his own testiness.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott