Speak of the devil!: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Speak of the devil!” mean?

"Speak of the devil!" means referring to someone who has just appeared or been mentioned.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I was just talking about her and speak of the devil, there she is!

Example

I was thinking about calling him and speak of the devil, he just texted me.

Example

I was wondering where he was and speak of the devil, he walked through the door

Is “Speak of the devil!” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Speak of the devil!” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Speak of the devil!” effectively in context?

You can use "Speak of the devil!" when someone you were just talking about or thinking about suddenly appears or is mentioned. It's a way to express surprise or coincidence. For example, if you were discussing a friend and they suddenly walk into the room, you might say, 'I was just talking about her and "speak of the devil", there she is!'

• 1. Social Setting

  I was thinking about calling him and speak of the devil, he just texted me.

• 2. Work

  I was wondering where he was and speak of the devil, he walked through the door.

• 3. Casual Conversation

  I was just talking about her and speak of the devil, there she is!

Similar phrases to “Speak of the devil!”:

Talk of the town

Referring to a topic or person that is widely discussed or known

Example

She's the talk of the town after winning the competition.

Out of the blue

Something that happens unexpectedly or without warning

Example

He called me out of the blue after years of no contact.

Coincidence

A remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection

Example

It's just a coincidence that we both wore the same outfit today.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Speak of the devil!” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Speak of the devil!" is unknown.

Is “Speak of the devil!” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Speak of the devil!" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to express surprise or coincidence when someone they were just talking about or thinking about suddenly appears or is mentioned.

What tone does “Speak of the devil!” have?

"Speak of the devil!" conveys a tone of surprise and sometimes humor. It's often used in a lighthearted manner to acknowledge the unexpected appearance of someone who was just being discussed.

Can “Speak of the devil!” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Speak of the devil!" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that adds a touch of humor to conversations. You can use it with friends, family, colleagues, and even in more formal situations such as presentations or meetings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I was just talking about her and "speak of the devil", there she is!' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Speak of the devil"!' to express surprise when someone appears.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• guess who showed up!
• look who's here!
• fancy meeting you here!
• well, well, well!
• what a surprise!

Antonyms

• never in a million years!
• just my luck!
• couldn't have timed it worse!
• of course, they're always around!
• no surprises there!