An embarrassing or tactless act or remark.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/andrea-mitchell-apologizes-for-botched-attempt-to-slam-ted-cruz-over-shakespeare-reference/ar-BB1dAgSL?ocid=msedgdhp

Give the devil her due, she always has something important to say.

This expression appeared in a play by the famous English playwright William Shakespeare. He used it in his play Henry V, Part 1 from the year 1599. This play is about the Hundred Years’ War and Prince Henry’s plan to rule France as well as England.

In the play, Prince Henry is discussing with a friend whether it is better to keep a promise with the devil, and thus be damned from heaven, or to break a promise, and thus be in trouble with the devil. Henry claims it is better to keep the promise with the devil.

Very appropriate for the Democrats (the devils).

It appears, however, that this phrase existed before Shakespeare used in the Henry V.

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