speak of the devil and he appears: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘speak of the devil and he appears’ mean?
The idiom "speak of the devil and he appears" means that when you mention someone and they suddenly appear, as if they were summoned by your words.
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 "the hell you say" is an emphatic and slightly confrontational expression used to express disbelief, skepticism, or surprise about something someone has said.
The idiom "the devil is a liar" means that evil forces or people may deceive or manipulate others. It suggests that one should be cautious and not easily believe everything they hear or see.
The idiom "the devil" refers to a person or entity that is considered to be evil, dangerous, or destructive. It is often used to emphasize the negative qualities or actions of someone or something, highlighting their malicious or harmful nature.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
The idiom "tell fortunes" means to predict someone's future - often by using supernatural methods or reading signs. It is used figuratively to describe any attempt to predict what will happen.
The idiom "tell against" means to work or speak in a way that is unfavorable or damaging to someone or something.
The idiom "tell against" is an expression commonly used in the English language. It can be found in various literary works and documents, although the exact origin of the idiom is unclear. The meaning of "tell against" is to work or act unfavorably or to the disadvantage of someone or something.
The idiom "talk up" means to promote or highlight something in a positive way through enthusiastic or persuasive speech.
Talk up is a phrasal verb commonly used in American English to speak positively about someone or something in order to promote, support, or increase their reputation or visibility. It has various meanings and uses in everyday conversations, as well as in formal and informal writing.
The idiom "talk to God" means to communicate with a higher power or seek guidance from a divine source, often in times of desperation or when faced with a difficult situation.
FAIL
The idiom "speak of the devil and he appears" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is a proverbial expression that conveys the idea that if you mention someone, they are likely to appear or be present shortly thereafter.
The phrase "speak of the devil" has been documented in various forms throughout history. It is thought to have originated from an old superstition that speaking the name of the devil would summon or attract his attention. By extension, the idiom implies that talking about someone, especially in a negative or critical manner, may bring that person into the conversation or cause them to appear unexpectedly.
There are several theories about the origin and meaning of this idiom. One theory suggests that it may have originated from ancient folklore and religious beliefs about evil spirits or demons. In these beliefs, any mention or invocation of a demonic entity could potentially lead to its presence. Another theory proposes that the idiom developed from a superstitious fear of repercussions for speaking ill of someone, as if the person being discussed had the power to hear or sense such conversations.
While the exact origins of the idiom are uncertain, it has become firmly established in the English language. It is commonly used in informal conversations and written texts to express surprise or amusement when the person being talked about suddenly appears. The idiom may also be used humorously in situations where the person being discussed coincidentally shows up immediately after being mentioned.
Despite its widespread use, the idiom does not possess any magical or supernatural powers. It is a figurative expression, intended to convey the unexpected occurrence of a person appearing after being mentioned. The idiom is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a playful way of acknowledging coincidence or unexpected timing.
The related idiom "talk of the devil" is another expression that conveys a similar meaning. It is often used interchangeably with "speak of the devil" to suggest that when you talk about someone, they might show up unexpectedly. Both idioms emphasize the element of surprise when the person being discussed suddenly appears, adding a whimsical touch to conversations.
Both idioms, "speak of the devil" and "talk of the devil," are lighthearted phrases that reflect the unpredictable nature of coincidences and unexpected timing. They are used to acknowledge the amusing or surprising moment when the person being talked about materializes, as if summoned by the mere mention of their name.
The idioms "speak of the devil and he appears" and "talk of the devil" are commonly used expressions in the English language. They convey the idea that if you mention someone, they are likely to appear or be present shortly thereafter. While the origins of these idioms remain uncertain, they have become firmly established in our language and are used to express surprise or amusement when the person being discussed suddenly shows up. These idioms serve as playful reminders of the power of words and the whimsical nature of coincidences.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "speak of the devil and he appears" can be used in a sentence:
- John: "I hope we don't run into Robert today." (Robert suddenly walks into the room) Sarah: "Speak of the devil and he appears."
- Alice: "I haven't seen Tom in ages." (Tom calls her on the phone) Bob: "Well, speak of the devil and he appears."
- David: "I wonder if Emily will show up at the party." (Emily enters the party) Karen: "Speak of the devil and she appears."
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