Dic: a devil of something, the devil

■ a devil of a time/job etc: [old-fashioned. spoken] a difficult or unpleasant time, job etc

• We had a devil of a job trying to get the carpet clean again.

■ devil: An outstanding example, especially of something difficult or bad:

• has a devil of a temper.

■ devil of: informal (intensifier).

• a devil of a fine horse

■ the devil (old-fashioned). very difficult or unpleasant

• These berries are the devil to pick because they're so small.

.... LDOCE, The American Heritage, Collins, OALD