Hi guys,

Looking for help with another phrase from An Litir. The phrase is "Bíodh acu".

Is this, as I think it is, a euphemistic version of "Bíodh an diabhal acu"? Or does it have another meaning?

Here is the full sentence, with the previous paragraph for context.

'An chaint seo ar Phairlimint atá ag cur na sean-Ghall trí chéile', arsa an sagart go leamh. 'Agus marú an Easpaig, ar ndóigh, agus na hÍosánaigh fógraithe. Sin a bhfuil de. Is ea, agus thar aon ní eile, an chaoi nach bhfuil cead acu dul ar choistí agus os comhair na cúirte gan an mhóid a ghlacadh.'

'Bíodh acu,' arsa an file. 'Cá raibh siad nuair a theastaigh siad? Nuair a bhí an cogadh ceart ar siúl?'

Thanks again for the help,

Oscar

I'd rather say: Let them be.

"Bíodh an diabhal acu" - I suppose there could be a connection, I don't know.

When we say it in Conamara it means "Let them have it".
Also "Bíodh 'ad" - It's like when you say "whatever" in a dismissive way when having a discussion or argument.

Thanks for the feedback!