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  1. www.phrases.org.uk › meanings › speak-of-the-devilSpeak Of The Devil - Meaning & Origin Of The Phrase

    The phrase originated in England, where it was, and still is, more often given as ‘talk of the Devil’. The phrase is old and appears in various Latin and Old English texts from the 16th century. The Italian writer Giovanni Torriano has the first recorded version in contemporary English, in Piazza Universale, 1666: “The English say, Talk ...

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  3. www.theidioms.com › speak-of-the-devilspeak of the devil meaning, origin, example, sentence, history

    • Meaning | Synonyms
    • Example Sentences
    • Origin
    when someone comes in unexpectedly while being talked about
    when talking about a certain person, that person appears
    when somebody seen right after being talked about

    See full list on theidioms.com

    We were huddled together in our lunch table, talking about our boss, when he walked in. Well, speak of the devil!
    Did you see Bob today? Oh, there he comes! Speak of the devil.
    Do you know what Parker did yesterday? Oh, speak of the devil, here he comes!
    They were discussing the girl who was his new crush when she walked in. Speak of the devil.

    See full list on theidioms.com

    This phrase, in its current usage, is a lighthearted way of referring to someone who has unexpectedly come in when being talked about, however, prior to the 20th century, it wasn’t a lighthearted one. The full form of this phrase is “Speak of the Devil and he will appear”, and was meant to warn people not to talk about the Devil. It was widely know...

    See full list on theidioms.com

  4. idioms.thefreedictionary.com › speak+of+the+devilSpeak of the devil - Idioms by The Free Dictionary

    Definition of speak of the devil in the Idioms Dictionary. speak of the devil phrase. ... "Well, speak of the devil! We were just speaking talking something funny you ...

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  6. grammarist.com › idiom › speak-of-the-devilSpeak of the Devil—From Phrase to Folklore - GRAMMARIST

    The idiom is actually a shortened version of the phrase: speak of the Devil, and he will appear. According to Merriam-Webster, the phrase is “used in speech to say that someone one has been talking about has unexpectedly appeared.”. Moreover, the Cambridge Dictionary defines speak/talk of the devil as “something you say when the person ...

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  7. english-grammar-lessons.com › speaking-of-theSpeaking of the Devil - Meaning, Origin and Usage - English ...

    Dec 12, 2021 · Speaking of the Devil Meaning. " Speaking of the devil " is an idiom referring to someone appearing physically after talking about them, or the other party in your conversation could mention them, resulting in you saying, " Speaking of the devil ." The phrase can have a negative or positive meaning behind it, and you can use it to express ...

  8. phrasegenesis.com › speak-of-the-devil"Speak of the Devil" - Phrase Origin - Phrase Genesis

    The “devil” being spoken of could very well have been the object of high praise before they made their unexpected appearance, and exclaiming “Speak of the devil” when they do would still be entirely appropriate. “Speak of the devil” As a Cue. As I have stressed, “Speak of the devil” can be used even when speaking positively of ...

  9. www.merriam-webster.com › dictionary › speak of theSpeak of the devil Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

    How to use speak/talk of the devil in a sentence. —used in speech to say that someone one has been talking about has unexpectedly appeared… See the full definition

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