devil wears Prada
Definition
A popular idiom derived from the title of Lauren Weisberger's 2003 novel and its 2006 film adaptation, referring to a high-powered, stylish but ruthlessly demanding female boss, epitomized by the character Miranda Priestly.
Colloquially used to describe any impeccably dressed superior whose perfectionism borders on tyranny, blending fashionista flair with workplace terror.
Examples
My new editor is straight out of the devil wears Prada playbook—impossible deadlines and a glare that could curdle cream.
Surviving a summer internship under the devil wears Prada taught her that Louboutins hide claws.
He joked that his CEO was the devil wears Prada reincarnate, minus the runway shows but plus the passive-aggressive emails.
In Hollywood, spotting the devil wears Prada is easy: just follow the trail of exhausted assistants and couture.