shoulder angel
Imaginary ethical advisor
A shoulder angel is an imaginary figure representing one's conscience or moral guidance, typically depicted as a miniature angel perched on one shoulder whispering virtuous advice—often paired with a shoulder devil on the opposite side urging mischief.
The image comes from cartoons and comedy, where characters visibly wrestle with temptation: My shoulder angel says I should study, but my shoulder devil wants pizza.
The phrase describes any internal voice counseling restraint or good behavior.
Evil supernatural entity
- haloLuminous ring overhead
- miniatureReduced-scale representation
- perchedResting in place
- whisperSpeech without full voice
cartoon · animated · sitcom · comedy · cutaway · gag · parody · good vs evil
Instinctive immediate understanding
- self-talkSpeaking to oneself mentally
- introspectionObserving one's own mind
- subconsciousBelow conscious awareness
- gut feelingInstinctive sense about something
instinct · conscience · thoughts · reflection · contemplation · internal dialogue · reasoning · awareness
Choice testing one's values
- temptationUrge toward the unwise
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- inner conflictPsychological tension within oneself
- right and wrongEthical distinction
ethics · scruples · principles · integrity · virtue · sin · self-control · willpower
Guidance on decisions
- counselExpert guidance offered
- wisdomGood judgment from experience
- warningAlert about danger
- encouragementSupport spurring continued effort
reassurance · nudge · prompt · reminder · suggestion · persuasion · influence · voice of reason
devil
Evil supernatural entity
whisper · cartoon · animated · sitcom · comedy · cutaway · gag · parody · good vs evil · conscience
intuition
Instinctive immediate understanding
- self-talkSpeaking to oneself mentally
- introspectionObserving one's own mind
- subconsciousBelow conscious awareness
gut feeling · instinct · conscience · thoughts · reflection · contemplation · internal dialogue · reasoning · awareness · mindfulness
moral dilemma
Choice testing one's values
- temptationUrge toward the unwise
- guiltMoral self-reproach
- inner conflictPsychological tension within oneself
right and wrong · ethics · scruples · principles · integrity · virtue · sin · self-control · willpower · impulse
advice
Guidance on decisions
encouragement · reassurance · nudge · prompt · reminder · suggestion · persuasion · influence · voice of reason · better nature
shoulder angelshoulder devil
Imagined miniature tempter
little devil · tempter · inner demon · temptation · id
shoulder angeltemptation
Urge toward the unwise
id · dark side · base instincts · inner demon · shadow self
shoulder, angel, shoulders, shouldered, shouldering, angels, angelic, angelical, angelically