Give the devil his due

Give the devil his due

The phrase "give the devil his due" is a proverb that dates back to the 16th century and is often used to emphasize the importance of acknowledging someone's positive qualities or achievements, even if they are generally seen in a negative light. The devil, in this context, represents someone who is typically viewed as evil or untrustworthy, but even they deserve recognition for their accomplishments.

This proverb serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their reputation or past actions, has some redeeming qualities or talents that should be acknowledged. It encourages us to be fair and objective in our judgments, rather than allowing bias or prejudice to cloud our perceptions.