The new regulations have created 'a devil of' a problem [=a very difficult problem] for many small businesses.
He had 'a devil of a time' getting another job. [=he found it very difficult to get another job]
The shoes look great, but they're 'the devil' to walk in. [=they are very difficult to walk in]
(..) Rhett, I can keep the lumber business too, can't l? Yes, of course, you can, if it amuses you. Now that you're rich you can tell everyone to go to the devil... ...as you've always said you wanted to. But you were the main one I wanted to go to the devil. Don't scrape the plate, Scarlett. (..)1939 Gone with the Wind