talk of the devil: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘talk of the devil’ mean?
The idiom "talk of the devil" is used to express the situation when someone who was being discussed or mentioned suddenly appears or arrives. It implies that talking about someone (the devil) can make them appear unexpectedly.
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 "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
The idiom "tell tales" has a long history and is used in various contexts. It is commonly used to describe someone who spreads gossip or shares information that may not be accurate or reliable.
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 turkey" means to discuss something seriously and honestly, often involving negotiations or business matters.
The idiom "talk to oneself" means to speak aloud to oneself. It can indicate that someone is reflecting, rehearsing, or expressing their thoughts or feelings out loud without intending to communicate with others.
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.
The idiom "talk to" means to communicate with someone about a particular issue, usually in order to try and resolve a problem or reach an agreement. It implies an open and direct conversation where both parties express their thoughts and feelings.
The idiomatic expression "talk through one's hat" means to say something without knowledge or authority, often resulting in falsehoods or nonsense.
The idiom "talk through one's hat" is commonly used in the English language to describe someone who is speaking without knowing the facts or speaking in a foolish or uninformed manner. It implies that the person is making up or exaggerating what they are saying.
The idiom "talk the talk" means to speak in a way that conveys knowledge or confidence about a particular subject, but without necessarily taking any action or having the actual skills or experience to back it up.
The idiom "talk the talk" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often used in informal conversations and is known to have originated in the United States.
The Enigmatic Phrase
The idiom "talk of the devil" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is believed to have originated from the superstition that speaking about the devil would invite his presence. This belief can be traced back to various religious and cultural traditions, such as Christianity and medieval folklore. The idiom is often used in casual conversation to express surprise or ironic coincidence when the person being discussed suddenly appears. For example, if two friends are talking about someone and that person walks into the room, one might say, "Well, speak of the devil!"
The idiom "speak of the devil" is a variation of "talk of the devil" and is used interchangeably. It conveys the same meaning – that a person being talked about suddenly appears. The addition of "and he appears" emphasizes the idea of immediate appearance. So, when someone says, "speak of the devil and he appears," they are expressing surprise at the timing of someone's arrival after being spoken about.
Another variation of the idiom is "speak of the devil and he shall appear." This version adds a sense of inevitability or consequence to the phrase. It implies that merely mentioning someone will cause them to appear, emphasizing the power of words and their potential influence on a situation.
The idiom "talk about" is closely related to "talk of the devil." While "talk of the devil" specifically refers to the sudden appearance of a person being discussed, "talk about" is a more general expression. It is used to initiate a discussion about a particular topic or person. For example, someone might say, "Let's talk about our plans for the weekend." In this context, "talk about" serves as an invitation to discuss a specific subject.
As an editor for HubSpot, my role is to ensure that articles are clear, coherent, and effective. I follow AP style guidelines, which include removing introductory or summary paragraphs, as well as transitional phrases. The goal is to get straight to the point and improve the structure and style of the article for better readability.
When editing an article, I focus on maintaining short paragraphs, using simple words and phrasing to enhance clarity, and adopting a conversational style. It is important to write in a friendly, informal tone that appeals to a well-informed audience. Varying the language in each paragraph helps to keep the article engaging and avoid repetitive phrases.
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The idiom "talk of the devil" is just one example of the many fascinating expressions in the English language. Its origins in superstition and folklore add depth to its meaning and usage. This idiom demonstrates the power of words and their ability to summon or acknowledge someone's presence. Whether it is used in casual conversation or more formal writing, "talk of the devil" remains a relevant and widely recognized phrase in English communication.
The idiom "talk of the devil" and its variations, such as "speak of the devil" and "speak of the devil and he appears," serve to convey surprise or coincidence when a person being discussed suddenly appears. These idioms highlight the belief in the power of words to summon or attract someone's presence. Additionally, the related idiom "talk about" is used to initiate a discussion about a specific topic or person. As an experienced editor for HubSpot, my goal is to improve articles by following AP style guidelines, enhancing clarity and readability, and ensuring an engaging and conversational writing style. By consistently applying these editing techniques, I can help make articles more coherent, effective, and appealing to readers.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "talk of the devil" can be used:
1. I was just talking about my old friend, and talk of the devil, he walked into the room!
2. As soon as we mentioned his name, talk of the devil, he called us on the phone.
3. We were discussing the new employee, and talk of the devil, she entered the office right at that moment.
More "Superstition" idioms
