speak-of-the-devil
/ˌspiːk əv ðə ˈdev.əl/ IELTSAcademic
idiom
You say this when a person appears just after you were talking about them. It is usually playful, and sometimes a little joking.
- Speak of the devil, here's Ananya now.
- Speak of the devil, I was just talking about you!
Adinary Nuance
Speak of the devil is used when the person you mentioned suddenly arrives or contacts you. It is more playful than just saying 'look who's here.' Unlike 'as if on cue,' it usually refers to a person, not an event. It can sound friendly, but avoid it in very formal writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- Nhắc Tào Tháo
- Spanish
- Hablando del rey de Roma
- Chinese
- 说曹操曹操到
- Japanese
- 噂をすれば
- Korean
- 호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다
Etymology
This idiom comes from an old European superstition. People once avoided naming someone who might suddenly appear, so the phrase became a light warning or joke in English.
Common phrases
Speak of the devil!Well, speak of the devil.Speak of the devil and he appears.
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is speak of the devil rude?
- No, it is usually playful. It can sound rude only if said sarcastically.
- Can I use speak of the devil in business writing?
- Usually no. It is better in casual speech, messages, or friendly writing.
- What is the difference between speak of the devil and look who's here?
- Both introduce a person who just appeared. Speak of the devil adds a joking feeling.