APAD: give the devil his due

give the devil his due

The phrase "give the devil his due" means to acknowledge or give credit to someone, even if they are generally disliked or considered to be a negative influence. It implies recognizing a person's positive qualities or actions, despite any negative perceptions.

Origin Of “Give The Devil His Due”

The saying “give the devil his due” is thought to have originated in the 16th century. It is first recorded in the writings of the English author Thomas Fuller, who wrote in 1631, “Even the devil himself must have his due.”

Shakespeare uses the phrase in  Henry IV Part 1

“Sir John stands to his word. The devil shall have his bargain, for he was never yet a breaker of proverbs. He will give the devil his due.”