speak of the devil: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘speak of the devil’ mean?
The idiom "speak of the devil" means that someone mentioned the person who has just appeared or entered the scene.
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 "talk of the devil" is used to express the situation when someone who was being discussed or mentioned suddenly appears or arrives. It implies that talking about someone (the devil) can make them appear unexpectedly.
The idiom "speak in circles" means to talk in a way that is confusing or unclear, often without directly answering a question or providing a clear explanation.
The idiom "speak for" means to express the thoughts or opinions of others, usually assuming one knows what they would say or think.
The idiom "smell what someone is stepping in" means to understand or be aware of someone's behavior or motives, often in a negative or critical way.
An idiom widely used to refer to something insignificant or unimportant. It implies that the mentioned object or amount is of little value or significance.
The idiom "sing the praises of" means to highly praise or commend someone or something, typically in a public or prominent way.
The idiom *silver-tongued* refers to someone who is eloquent and persuasive in their speech. They have the ability to speak in a charming and convincing manner, often using their words to manipulate or influence others.
The Unforeseen Implications
The idiom "talk of the devil" is a related phrase to "speak of the devil" that is often used interchangeably. Similar to "speak of the devil," this idiom is used when someone is talking about a person and that person suddenly appears. It is said in a light-hearted manner as a way of acknowledging the coincidence. The origins of this idiom are also believed to stem from superstitions and folk beliefs.
to speak of the devil" is another idiom that is closely related to "speak of the devil." This phrase is used when someone brings up a particular topic and then that very topic is mentioned or appears shortly afterward. It is often used playfully or ironically, highlighting the unexpected nature of the situation. Both "talk of the devil" and "to speak of" add depth and nuance to the original idiom "speak of the devil."
In various cultures and throughout history, the idiom "speak of the devil" has been used to express the idea that speaking about a person or thing can summon them in some way. This folk belief has roots in ancient superstitions, where it was believed that mentioning the devil or any evil spirit would bring them into the conversation or even the physical space. The appearance of the person being spoken about was seen as a spooky coincidence, leading to the development of the phrase "speak of the devil."
Another theory suggests that the concept behind "speak of the devil" can be attributed to religious and superstitious practices. In Christian theology, the devil is often depicted as a mischievous and omnipresent figure. It was believed that discussing the devil would somehow attract his attention and presence. This association may have influenced the emergence of the idiom, as well as the superstitious belief that mentioning the devil could result in bad luck or misfortune.
The phrase "speak of the devil" is commonly used when someone appears just as they are being talked about. It is often used humorously, as a playful way to acknowledge the coincidence. This idiom has become well-known and is frequently used in both casual conversations and more formal contexts. Interestingly, similar idioms exist in other languages, highlighting the universality of the concept.
While the exact origins of the idiom remain uncertain, it is clear that "speak of the devil" has a long and rich history. The phrase has evolved over time, taking on different meanings and nuances in various cultures. Despite the lack of concrete evidence surrounding its origins, "speak of the devil" has become deeply ingrained in our language and continues to be widely recognized and used today.
Considering related idioms such as "talk of the devil" and "to speak of" adds depth to our understanding of this folk belief. These idioms further emphasize the idea that mentioning a person or thing can somehow influence their presence or immediate appearance. They expand on the original idiom and provide a broader context for its usage.
Next time you find yourself in a situation where someone unexpectedly appears just as they are being spoken about, feel free to exclaim "speak of the devil!" or use a related idiom like "talk of the devil" or "to speak of." These idioms bring a touch of humor and irony to the situation, making the coincidence all the more delightful.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "speak of the devil" can be used in a sentence include:
- "I was just talking about John and, speak of the devil, here he comes."
- "Speak of the devil, my sister just called me on the phone."
- "I was discussing the upcoming party and, speak of the devil, the host just walked into the room."
More "Colloquial" idioms
