For many years, I have prided myself on being of high morals and ethics. I attribute this to the upbringing I received by my mother and grandmother, which was founded in biblical principles. Often I find myself sounding just like my mother and grandmother! Just the other day in a conversation with my husband, regarding the behavior of a public individual, I commented – “when you wink at the devil, he might wink back!” Now I have never heard anyone else use this idiom, however, my mother and grandmother used it all the time! They likened the idiom to others such as, if you play with fire, you will get burned, and you’re testing your luck. Both warn of the inevitable risks and dangers associated with the continuation of certain behaviors and/or practices.
Back to the wink! A wink defined - to close and open one eye quickly, typically to indicate that something is a joke or a secret, to signal affection or greeting, or to denote malice or temptation. Some good news - you get to choose how you want to use your wink! I’m going to suggest you use your wink for good. Way to go if you already are! Remember, you don’t want any devils winking back at you!
