speak of the devil and he shall appear: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘speak of the devil and he shall appear’ mean?
The idiom "speak of the devil and he shall appear" means that when you mention someone and they suddenly appear, it's as though just by talking about them, you have summoned them.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to speak of" means to mention or discuss a particular subject or topic. It is used to draw attention to something noteworthy or significant.
The idiom "the hell you say" is an emphatic and slightly confrontational expression used to express disbelief, skepticism, or surprise about something someone has said.
The idiom "the devil is a liar" means that evil forces or people may deceive or manipulate others. It suggests that one should be cautious and not easily believe everything they hear or see.
The idiom "the devil" refers to a person or entity that is considered to be evil, dangerous, or destructive. It is often used to emphasize the negative qualities or actions of someone or something, highlighting their malicious or harmful nature.
The idiom "the chickens come home to roost" means that negative consequences or troubles from previous actions will eventually catch up to a person.
The idiom "tell fortunes" means to predict someone's future - often by using supernatural methods or reading signs. It is used figuratively to describe any attempt to predict what will happen.
The idiom "tell against" means to work or speak in a way that is unfavorable or damaging to someone or something.
The idiom "talk up" means to promote or highlight something in a positive way through enthusiastic or persuasive speech.
The idiom "talk to God" means to communicate with a higher power or seek guidance from a divine source, often in times of desperation or when faced with a difficult situation.
Summoning the Unexpected.
The idiom "speak of the devil and he shall appear" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often uttered when a person is talking about someone and that person appears unexpectedly. The phrase is rooted in superstition and folklore, and its origin can be traced back to ancient times.
The idiom is believed to have originated from a well-known religious saying, "speak of the devil and he will come." This saying is derived from the Christian belief that mentioning the name of the devil or evil spirits could bring them into existence or attract their attention. It is a reflection of the belief in the power of words and the notion that spoken words can have consequences. The saying also reinforces the idea that talking about something or someone can bring them into one's presence or invite their interference.
The idiom "speak of the devil and he appears" is another variation of this phrase that is commonly used. It has the same meaning and is often used interchangeably with the original expression. Both idioms serve to highlight the surprise and coincidence of someone appearing after being spoken about. They are used in a lighthearted manner to acknowledge the unexpected nature of the situation.
The idiom "speak of the devil" is a shorter form of the phrase that is also widely recognized and used. It is often used when someone enters a conversation just as they were being mentioned. It is a playful way of acknowledging the coincidence and surprise of the situation. The phrase is used colloquially and serves as a light-hearted response to the unexpected appearance of someone who was just being discussed.
Overall, these idioms are part of the rich tapestry of the English language. They reflect the belief in the power of words and the idea that spoken words can have consequences. They add color, expression, and humor to conversations and are recognized by native speakers as common phrases with specific meanings. Whether it's the longer phrase "speak of the devil and he shall appear," the variation "speak of the devil and he appears," or the shorter form "speak of the devil," these idioms are a testament to the linguistic richness of the English language.
Example usage
Examples:
- "I was just talking about Angela and speak of the devil and she shall appear! Here she is!"
- "I was wondering if Tim would show up to the party, and speak of the devil and he shall appear, here he comes through the door."
- "I was saying how much I missed seeing Sarah, and speak of the devil and she shall appear, she called me on the phone."
This idiom is typically used when referring to someone who is being talked about or thought of and then suddenly appears or is mentioned unexpectedly. It is often used humorously or coincidentally to highlight the sudden presence or arrival of the person being discussed.
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