Idiom – Speak of the devil

• Idiom – Speak of the devil or Talk of the devil
• Meaning – This expression is used when a person being talked about suddenly appears.  This idiom can also be used when an object being talked about suddenly becomes relevant.
• The complete phrase is Speak of the devil and he will appear. A long time ago people believed that if you spoke about the devil you would invite bad luck.

Other expressions featuring the devil:

• Better the devil you know (idiom) – Something bad and familiar is better than something bad and unknown.
• Between the devil and the deep blue sea (idiom) – To be in a situation where you have to choose between two bad things.
• Crafty devil – A devious or cunning person.
• Devil’s advocate (idiom) – To argue against an idea or argument – even if you are in favour of it – for the sake of debate or to better understand the opposing point of view.
• Devil-may-care – To have a devil-may-care attitude is to be relaxed and without worry.
• Handsome devil – This expression is used to describe somebody very handsome, but probably too charming or mischievous in some way.
• Idle hands are the devil’s tools (idiom) – When you have nothing to do you are more likely to get in trouble.
• Lucky devil – Used to describe someone who is very fortunate.
• The devil (slang) – This expression can be used to make a statement stronger. What the devil are you talking about?

Usage:

When could you use this idiom?

• When someone you are talking about suddenly arrives.
• If you are gossiping about a person and they are approaching.
• When you are discussing an event (like a change in the weather) and the event suddenly becomes relevant (it starts to rain).

Example:

• “Did you know that Jack has left his wife? Speak of the devil! Here comes Jack!”

Discuss: