TELL the truth and shame the Devil
1548
Expedition into Scotland
A5
An Epigram .. the whiche I had, or rather (to saie truth and shame the deuel, for out it wool) I stale .. from a frende of myne.
1576
Grief of Joy
II. 555
I will tell trewth, the devyll hymselfe to shame.
1597
–
8
Henry IV, Pt 1.
III
. i. 58
And I can teach thee, coz [cousin], to shame the devil By telling truth: tell truth, and shame the devil.
1639
Parœmiologia Anglo-Latina
316
Tell the truth, and shame the Devill.
1738
Polite Conversation
I
. 93
Well; but who was your Author? Come, tell Truth and shame the Devil.
1945
Lark Rise
xiv.
A few homely precepts, such as .. ‘Tell the truth and shame the devil.’
1980
Attending Physician
iv.
You'll get the opportunity to tell the truth and shame the devil.
truth