pact with the devil
Soul for power
A pact with the devil is an agreement in which someone exchanges their soul or moral integrity for worldly gain—wealth, power, knowledge, or talent.
The concept comes from Christian folklore, most famously the Faust legend.
Figuratively, any bargain that trades long-term harm for short-term benefit: Taking that job felt like a pact with the devil.
- Faustian bargainRuinous exchange for power
- LuciferRebellious angel of Christian theology
- FaustLegendary deal-with-devil maker
- forbidden knowledgeDangerous truths deliberately hidden
- dark magicMalevolent supernatural practice
demonology · hubris · temptation · moral corruption · unholy alliance · tragic downfall · existential despair · hellfire · Robert Johnson · Mephistopheles · ethical dilemmas · crossroads · damnation · eternal damnation · damned soul · human frailty · sin · eternal punishment
pact with the devildivine covenant
God's promise to mankind
holy vow · sacred oath · baptismal vows · salvation · redemption
pact with the devilmutual benefit
Gain for all involved
square deal · unconditional love · gentleman's agreement · grace · no strings attached
pact, devil, devils, devilish, devilry, deviltry, bedevil, bedeviled, devilment