Okay... I'm one of those guys who likes to know what phrases like those mean. Are you stuck between Beelzebub, and the ocean... and what does the devil have to do with all that water?
The "Devil" is a nautical term... describing the very, very narrow plank along the outer edge of a sailing ship. The Devil was often used by sailors as "footing" to walk along carefully... (as it was only inches wide)... hugging the side of the ship... in order to make repairs to the ship... or fill in gaps in the wood with pitch or caulking of other kinds.
Thereby a sailor who found himself in a precarious position, would NOT find himself talking to Satan, but rather walking a narrow plank, on the side of the ship... (a dangerous position)... and nothing between him and the deep blue. A simple slip, might find him taking the neverending dip.
Aren't you glad you asked? Oh, wait... you didn't ask, did you? Never mind.
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