speak of the devil
/spiːk ɒv ðə ˈdɛv.əl/
Meaning
This phrase is said when a person suddenly appears just as you are talking about them. It is a lighthearted, casual expression used in everyday conversations. It originates from an older proverb, but today it has no negative or religious connotation.
Examples
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Speak of the devil! We were just talking about your new job.
Speak of the devil! We were just talking about your new job.
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Did you hear that Sarah got promoted? Oh, speak of the devil, here she comes!
Did you hear that Sarah got promoted? Oh, speak of the devil, here she comes!
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We were just wondering where you were. Speak of the devil!
We were just wondering where you were. Speak of the devil!
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I was just about to text you about the meeting. Speak of the devil!
I was just about to text you about the meeting. Speak of the devil!
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Speak of the devil, I was just telling Mark about that funny story you told me.
Speak of the devil, I was just telling Mark about that funny story you told me.
Common Mistakes
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✗ Speaking about the devil, here is John!
✓ Speak of the devil, here is John!
The idiom is fixed as 'speak of the devil'. Changing the verb to 'speaking' or the preposition to 'about' makes it sound unnatural.
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✗ He is a devil because we spoke of him and he arrived.
✓ Speak of the devil, here he is!
Do not use this to call someone an actual devil. It is just a playful expression for a coincidence.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Well, ___! We were just discussing your presentation when you walked in.
💡 Said when the person you are talking about suddenly appears.
Show answer
speak of the devil
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I was just saying how much I missed you. ___!
💡 Use the fixed idiom for sudden appearances.
Show answer
Speak of the devil