play devil's advocate meaning in Hindi

play devil's advocate in SSC previous-year questions

1. SSC CPO 2022 T-2 Idioms & Phrases

   Select the most appropriate meaning of the highlighted idiom.
   My friend was playing the devil’s advocate in the discussion.

   AOne who pits the culprit against the lawyerBOne who is good at judgementCOne who argues against something just for the sake of arguingDOne who is composed at all times
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: C) One who argues against something just for the sake of arguing

   Answer: 3 (One who argues against something just for the sake of arguing)
   Explanation:
   Meanings of each option:
   • One who pits the culprit against the lawyer: Incorrect; unrelated meaning.
   • One who is good at judgement: Incorrect; opposite meaning.
   • One who argues against something just for the sake of arguing: Correct meaning.
   • One who is composed at all times: Incorrect; unrelated meaning.
   The idiom "playing the devil’s advocate" means to argue an opposing viewpoint, often just to explore the argument further or test its strength.

2. SSC Steno 2023 T-1 Idioms & Phrases

   Select the most appropriate idiom for the given situation focusing on the underlined segment.
   You are wasting time by arguing just for the sake of argument and that too just the opposite of what we confirm.

   AThrow caution to the windBThe devil is in the detailsCPlay devil’s advocateDBeat around the bush
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: C) Play devil’s advocate

   Answer: Play devil’s advocate
   Explanation:
   The idiom “play devil’s advocate” means to argue against a point just for the sake of argument, often to provoke debate or test the strength of the opposing argument (किसी बात के खिलाफ बहस करना सिर्फ बहस के लिए).
   • In the given situation, the person is arguing just for the sake of argument and taking the opposite position, which perfectly fits this idiom.
   Why other options are incorrect:
   • Throw caution to the wind – to take a risk without worrying about consequences (सावधानी न रखना) ❌
   • The devil is in the details – small things cause big problems (बारीक बातों में समस्या छिपी होती है) ❌
   • Beat around the bush – to avoid talking about the main topic

3. SSC MTS 2023 Idioms & Phrases

   Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined idiom.
   The council president is known to play devil’s advocate often.

   ATo allow others to riseBTo play risky gamesCMake one’s own destinyDTo argue, just for the sake of it
   Answer & explanation

   Answer: D) To argue, just for the sake of it

   Answer: 4
   Solution: The idiom "play devil’s advocate" means to argue against a point, not because you disagree with it, but to test its strength or provoke discussion (सिर्फ बहस या परीक्षण के लिए विपरीत पक्ष लेना). It’s often done to challenge ideas and encourage critical thinking.
   Option 1 – To allow others to rise ❌: unrelated meaning.
   Option 2 – To play risky games ❌: too literal and inaccurate.
   Option 3 – Make one’s own destiny ❌: refers to shaping your future, which has no connection to the idiom.
   Only Option 4 correctly captures the meaning of "to argue, just for the sake of it".

Examples

• “I'll play devil's advocate and ask why this plan might fail.”

play devil's advocate – questions

What is the meaning of play devil's advocate in Hindi?

play devil's advocate means “जानबूझकर विपक्ष में तर्क देना” in Hindi. In English: To argue against something just to test the idea

What are the synonyms of play devil's advocate?

Synonyms of play devil's advocate: counter-argue, oppose for debate.

What is the opposite of play devil's advocate?

Antonyms of play devil's advocate: agree, support.

Has play devil's advocate been asked in SSC exams?

Yes – play devil's advocate has been asked 3 times in SSC exams: SSC Steno 2023 T-1, SSC MTS 2023, SSC CPO 2022 T-2.

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