In the following question, out of the four alternatives, select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of the idiom or phrase. To give the devil his due.

Introduction / Context:
This idiom question examines your understanding of a common English expression used when someone who is usually disliked or considered bad still deserves some praise in a particular situation. The phrase to give the devil his due reflects a fair minded attitude, where even an opponent or morally weak person is recognised for real merit or ability.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: To give the devil his due.
• Options: To punish the wrong person, To give credit to even a notorious person, To let the enemy learn the lesson on his own, To stand in the way of the devil.
• The devil symbolically represents a person with a bad reputation, but due means the share of credit or recognition that is deserved.

Concept / Approach:
To give someone their due means to recognise what they truly deserve, often in terms of praise or acknowledgment. When the person is called the devil, the phrase becomes ironic, indicating that although the person is bad in many ways, one must still admit a particular strength or good quality. The best explanation thus involves giving credit to someone even if they are notorious or usually criticised.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Understand due as something owed, often respect, credit, or payment.Step 2: Note that devil symbolises a person with bad character or reputation.Step 3: Combine both ideas: despite disliking the person, you still acknowledge their merit in fairness.Step 4: Look at option B: To give credit to even a notorious person. This perfectly captures that idea.Step 5: Confirm that other options do not mention credit or fairness.Step 6: Select option B as the correct meaning.

Verification / Alternative check:
Consider a sentence: I do not like his methods, but to give the devil his due, he works very hard for his team. Here, the speaker admits that although the person is generally not admired, his hard work must be fairly recognised. If we rephrase using option B, we get: I do not like his methods, but I must give credit to this notorious person for working hard. The meaning remains the same.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To punish the wrong person: This describes an unjust punishment and has nothing to do with giving credit.
To let the enemy learn the lesson on his own: This is about allowing someone to suffer the consequences of their mistakes, not about acknowledging ability.
To stand in the way of the devil: This sounds like opposing evil, but the idiom is about reluctantly acknowledging good qualities, not blocking the devil.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners focus too literally on the word devil and assume the idiom must involve fighting or punishing evil. However, idioms often use strong images to make a subtler point. Here, the key idea is fairness and honesty in evaluation, even of those we dislike. Whenever you see the phrase give someone their due, remember it is about recognising their real merit or rights, not about punishing or ignoring them.

Final Answer:
The idiom to give the devil his due means To give credit to even a notorious person when that person genuinely deserves it.