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- A reference to someone who appears unexpectedly while being talked about. What's the origin of the phrase 'Speak of the Devil'? This phrase is used to acknowledge the coincidence of someone arriving at a scene just at the time that they are being talked about.
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A reference to someone who appears unexpectedly while being talked about. What's the origin of the phrase 'Speak of the Devil'? This phrase is used to acknowledge the coincidence of someone arriving at a scene just at the time that they are being talked about.
Speak of the devil" is the short form of the English-language idiom "Speak of the devil and he doth appear" (or its alternative form "speak of the devil and he shall appear"). The form "talk of the devil" is also in use in the United Kingdom. [1] It is used when an object of discussion unexpectedly becomes present during the conversation.
The idiom “speak of the devil” is a commonly used phrase in English that refers to an unexpected arrival or appearance of someone who has just been mentioned. The origins and historical context of this idiom can be traced back to ancient superstitions and beliefs.
- What Does The Idiom Speak of The Devil Mean?
- How Is The Idiom Speak of The Devil Commonly Used in context?
- What Is The Origin of The Idiom Speak of The Devil?
- How Did The Idiom Evolve Over time?
- What Are Some Related Terms to Speak of The Devil?
- What Have We Learned About The Idiom Speak of The Devil?
The idiom speak of the devil is used when a person coincidentally arrives who has just been the subject of conversation. 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...
Exploring the multifaceted usage of the idiom speak of the devilsheds light on its versatility and significance in everyday language. In the following sections, we delve into various contexts where this expression is employed, offering insights into its effective usage, tips for application, and avenues to discover real-world examples.
This expression speak of the devil appeared in England during the Middle Ages as an admonition against the danger of uttering the name of the Devil, Satan, or Lucifer. The fear of acknowledging evil by name may be seen today in the Harry Potter series, where only the bravest characters will call Voldemort by his name. Talk of the devil is sometimes...
While speak of the devilbegan as a superstitious warning, today, it is a comment on the coincidence of speaking about something or someone and then suddenly finding it at your elbow.
Understanding idioms often involves exploring related terms to broaden comprehension. In this section, we’ll uncover synonyms, antonyms, and other related expressions that shed further light on the nuances of speak of the deviland its usage in various contexts.
The idiom speak of the devilis used to refer to someone who suddenly and unexpectedly appears in conversation. This old idiom first appeared in England during the Middle Ages as a warning against mentioning the name of Lucifer, Satan, or the Devil. However, over the years, the phrase has typically come to be used positively and jokingly, intimating...
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speak of the devil. The person just mentioned has appeared, as in Why, speak of the devil-there's Jeannie. This expression is a shortening of the older Speak of the devil and he's sure to appear, based on the superstition that pronouncing the devil's name will cause his arrival on the scene.
The idiom ‘speak of the devil’ is used when someone appears just after being mentioned. It is often used humorously or as an expression of surprise when the person being talked about unexpectedly shows up.
“Speak of the Devil (and He Shall Appear)” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
