What does “Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)” mean?
"Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)" means referring to someone who is being talked about and then suddenly shows up.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I was just talking about my friend and speak of the devil, there he is!
Example
We were discussing our boss and speak of the devil, he walked into the room.
Example
I was telling a story about my neighbor and speak of the devil, she knocked on my door
Is “Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)” 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 (and He Shall Appear)” effectively in context?
You can use "Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)" when someone who is being talked about suddenly appears. It is often used in a lighthearted or joking manner. For example, if you were discussing a friend and they suddenly walked into the room, you could say, 'I was just talking about you, and "speak of the devil", there you are!'
- 1Social Gatherings
I was just telling a story about my cousin, and speak of the devil, he showed up at the party.
- 2Work
We were discussing our colleague's promotion, and speak of the devil, she walked into the meeting.
- 3Everyday Life
I was talking about my neighbor, and speak of the devil, she knocked on my door.
Similar phrases to “Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)”:
A remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection
Example
It was a coincidence that we both wore the same outfit to the party.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)" is believed to have originated from an old superstition. It was believed that if you mentioned the name of the devil, he would appear. This phrase was used as a cautionary reminder to be careful when speaking about someone, as they might suddenly show up.
Is “Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it in a playful or humorous way when someone who is being talked about suddenly appears.
What tone does “Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)” have?
"Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)" conveys a playful and lighthearted tone. It is often used in a joking manner to express surprise or coincidence when someone shows up after being mentioned.
Can “Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known expression that is used in casual conversations with friends and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I was just talking about you, and "speak of the devil", there you are!' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Speak of the devil"!' to imply surprise when someone appears.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- mention someone and they appear
- talk about someone and they show up
- jinxed it
