Like the devil Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Implies Urgency Indicates the person or thing is acting with extreme urgency or in a rush. He drove like the devil to get to the hospital in time. Pro Tip 2/3Possible Exaggeration Often used to exaggerate the speed of an action for storytelling effect. The kids ran like the devil from the haunted house, giggling. Pro Tip 3/3Intense Effort Suggests a high level of effort or determination put into an action. She moved like the devil to finish the marathon despite the pain.