speak of the devil
Said when someone appears just as you're talking about them
शाब्दिक अर्थ: to talk about the devil
Use it playfully when someone appears or calls just as they become the topic of conversation.
15 सेकंड में
- Used when someone arrives while you are talking about them.
- Acknowledge a funny coincidence in a conversation.
- Shortened version of an old proverb about summoning spirits.
मतलब
You say this when you are talking about someone and they suddenly walk into the room or call you. It is like your words summoned them by magic!
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6At a coffee shop with a friend
I wonder how Mark is doing... oh, speak of the devil, he just walked in!
I wonder how Mark is doing... oh, speak of the devil, he just walked in!
In a casual office meeting
We need to ask the boss about the budget. Speak of the devil, here she is.
We need to ask the boss about the budget. Speak of the devil, here she is.
Texting a group chat
I was just telling them about your new car! Speak of the devil!
I was just telling them about your new car! Speak of the devil!
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
The phrase originates from an old English proverb from the 16th century. Originally, it was a warning that talking about bad things would make them happen. By the 19th century, it lost its superstitious power and became a common way to react to coincidences.
The 'Angel' Alternative
If you are talking about someone you really like, you can say 'Speak of the angel' to be extra polite, though 'devil' is much more common.
Don't get caught!
Be careful using this if you were saying something mean. The person might realize you were gossiping about them!
15 सेकंड में
- Used when someone arrives while you are talking about them.
- Acknowledge a funny coincidence in a conversation.
- Shortened version of an old proverb about summoning spirits.
What It Means
Imagine you are gossiping about your friend Sarah. Suddenly, Sarah walks through the door. You look at your friends and say, speak of the devil! It is a lighthearted way to acknowledge the coincidence. You aren't actually calling your friend a demon. It just means they arrived exactly when their name was mentioned.
How To Use It
You usually say it as a standalone exclamation. When the person appears, you can say, Speak of the devil! or the longer version, Speak of the devil and he shall appear. It works for phone calls too. If you are looking at a photo of someone and they text you, it fits perfectly. It is a great way to break the awkwardness of being caught talking about someone.
When To Use It
Use it in casual settings with friends or family. It is perfect for the office breakroom or a dinner party. Use it when the timing feels spooky or funny. If you were just praising someone, it is a warm welcome. If you were complaining, it is a funny way to stop the conversation quickly. It adds a bit of energy to the moment.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this in very serious or somber situations. Do not use it at a funeral or a high-stakes legal meeting. Also, be careful if the person you are talking about is very sensitive. Since the word devil is in the phrase, some very religious people might find it slightly odd. However, in modern English, almost everyone sees it as a harmless joke.
Cultural Background
The full original phrase was Speak of the devil and he's sure to appear. In the Middle Ages, people were actually afraid. They believed talking about evil would attract it. Today, the meaning has flipped. We use it for friends, coworkers, and even pets. It has lost its scary religious roots and become a staple of English small talk.
Common Variations
You will mostly hear the short version: Speak of the devil! Sometimes people add a playful twist like, Speak of the angel! if they want to be extra sweet. In the UK, you might hear Talk of the devil. Both mean the exact same thing. It is one of the most common idioms you will hear in movies and TV shows.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
The phrase is very safe for B1 learners to use in social settings. Just remember it is an exclamation, so it usually needs an energetic delivery.
The 'Angel' Alternative
If you are talking about someone you really like, you can say 'Speak of the angel' to be extra polite, though 'devil' is much more common.
Don't get caught!
Be careful using this if you were saying something mean. The person might realize you were gossiping about them!
The Full Version
Older generations might say the full rhyme: 'Speak of the devil and he shall appear.' It sounds a bit more dramatic and old-fashioned.
उदाहरण
6I wonder how Mark is doing... oh, speak of the devil, he just walked in!
I wonder how Mark is doing... oh, speak of the devil, he just walked in!
A classic use when someone physically enters the space.
We need to ask the boss about the budget. Speak of the devil, here she is.
We need to ask the boss about the budget. Speak of the devil, here she is.
Used to transition the conversation to the person who just arrived.
I was just telling them about your new car! Speak of the devil!
I was just telling them about your new car! Speak of the devil!
Used when someone joins a digital chat or sends a message.
The cat has been so quiet today. Speak of the devil, I hear him scratching the sofa.
The cat has been so quiet today. Speak of the devil, I hear him scratching the sofa.
A humorous way to refer to a mischievous pet.
Mom was just saying she misses you. Speak of the devil, she's calling me now!
Mom was just saying she misses you. Speak of the devil, she's calling me now!
Used for a perfectly timed phone call.
Speak of the devil! We were just admiring your garden.
Speak of the devil! We were just admiring your garden.
A friendly way to greet someone you were just praising.
खुद को परखो
Choose the best phrase to complete the reaction.
I was just telling Sarah how much I like your shoes. ___, here she is now!
Since Sarah appeared right after being mentioned, this is the perfect idiom.
Identify the correct context for the phrase.
You are talking about your brother and he suddenly ___.
The phrase is used when someone makes their presence known through arrival or contact.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'Speak of the Devil'
Texting friends or family.
Speak of the devil! 😈
Casual workplace or social gatherings.
Oh, speak of the devil, hi Jim!
Serious business or solemn events.
Not recommended.
When to say 'Speak of the Devil'
Person walks into the room
Hey! Speak of the devil!
Phone starts ringing
Look who's calling! Speak of the devil.
Receiving a text
She just messaged! Speak of the devil.
Hearing a noise from another room
Is that him? Speak of the devil.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNot at all! It is used for anyone, from your best friend to your boss. The word devil is just a leftover from the phrase's history.
Usually, no. It is almost always used for people or sometimes pets. You wouldn't say it if you were talking about a bus and it arrived.
Yes, in a casual office setting it is very common. Just avoid using it in a formal presentation or a disciplinary meeting.
That is the 'danger' of the phrase! It often signals that you were just discussing them, so use it with a smile to hide any gossip.
Yes, in the UK you might hear Talk of the devil instead of Speak of the devil. They mean exactly the same thing.
No, most people just say Speak of the devil! as a short exclamation. It is much more natural that way.
It has religious origins, but today it is entirely secular. People of all faiths (or no faith) use it daily.
Absolutely! If you mention someone and your phone rings with their name, it is the perfect time to say it.
Don't use it if the person has been there the whole time. It only works if they *just* arrived or made contact.
It is an idiom, not really slang. It is a standard part of the English language that has been used for hundreds of years.
संबंधित मुहावरे
Speak of the angel
A kinder version used when the person arriving is very nice.
Small world
Said when you meet someone unexpectedly in a strange place.
Right on cue
When something happens at the exact moment it was expected or mentioned.
Thinking of you
A phrase often used when someone calls right as you thought of them.
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