Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear).: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear).” mean?

"Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear)" means that if you talk about someone, they may suddenly appear or be mentioned. It is often used in a humorous way when someone enters the room just after they have been talked about.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I was just saying how we never see him anymore, and speak of the devil and he will appear. Look who just walked in!

Example

We were discussing our old classmate and speak of the devil and he will appear, he called me out of the blue.

Example

I was telling my friend about my new neighbor, and speak of the devil and he will appear, he knocked on my door asking for some sugar

Is “Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear).” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to 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 (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear).” effectively in context?

You can use "Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear)" when someone unexpectedly shows up or is mentioned after being talked about. It is often used in a humorous way. For example, if you were just discussing a friend and they suddenly walk into the room, you might say, 'Speak of the devil and he will appear!'

• 1. Social Gathering

  I was just saying how we never see him anymore, and speak of the devil and he will appear. Look who just walked in!

• 2. Phone Call

  We were discussing our old classmate and speak of the devil and he will appear, he called me out of the blue.

• 3. Unexpected Visit

  I was telling my friend about my new neighbor, and speak of the devil and he will appear, he knocked on my door asking for some sugar.

Similar phrases to “Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear).”:

Curiosity killed the cat

Being too curious or nosy can lead to trouble or unpleasant consequences.

Example

She couldn't resist opening the mysterious package, but curiosity killed the cat.

Actions speak louder than words

What someone does is more important than what they say.

Example

He promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch

Don't make plans based on something that may not happen.

Example

She was already planning her vacation, but don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Every cloud has a silver lining

There is something positive or hopeful in every difficult situation.

Example

She lost her job, but every cloud has a silver lining - she found a better opportunity.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear).” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear)" is unknown.

Is “Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear).” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear)" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it in a lighthearted manner when someone coincidentally shows up or is mentioned after being talked about.

What tone does “Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear).” have?

"Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear)" conveys a tone of surprise and amusement. It is often used to express the unexpectedness of someone's appearance or mention.

Can “Speak (talk) of the devil and he will appear (is sure to appear).” be used in informal and formal settings?

This proverb is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known expression that adds a touch of humor to conversations. You can use it with friends, family, colleagues, and even in professional settings.

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, 'We were just talking about her, and speak of the devil, she walked in.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Speak of the devil!' when someone unexpectedly appears.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• talk about someone and they will appear
• mention someone and they will show up
• discuss someone and they will suddenly appear
• think of someone and they will come

Antonyms

• out of sight, out of mind
• absence makes the heart grow fonder
• don't think about it and it won't happen
• ignore someone and they will go away