Pulling the devil by the tail

Posted by Smokey Stover May 15, 2008 at 01:11In reply to Pulling the devil by the tail posted by Derek on May 12, 2008 at 18:34:

Can anyone explain the phrase "pulling the devil by the tail" please? I've only ever heard it used in Dublin.

I've never been in Dublin, but I expect that over here (in the U.S.) it would be taken to mean something like tempting fate, being overly brash, dangerously flirting with trouble. What happens if the devil turns around?
SS