speak of the devil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "speak of the devil" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase is typically used when someone arrives unexpectedly or if you have been talking about them and they appear. It can be used in a variety of situations. For example, "We were just talking about you. Speak of the devil!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Speak of the devil.

The New York Times

And speak of the devil!

The Guardian

Speak of the devil — he marches through the door, and becomes apoplectic when he learns of the upheaval.

The New Yorker

3.09pm: Speak of the devil: Aaron Porter has just been interviewed on BBC News, he said that the violence at Millbank Tower was "absolutely not" the plan.

The Guardian

(The prolific Gilbert has also been writing and drawing manic "adaptations" of nonexistent potboiler B-movies, including last year's "Chance in Hell," the recently serialized "Speak of the Devil" and the forthcoming volume "The Troublemakers").

The New York Times - Books

"If the character is smug, bitchy, trashy or has dubious morals, call me!" And – speak of the devil – in the West End transfer of Richard Bean's phone-hacking play Great Britain, she takes over from Billie Piper as a power-crazed tabloid editor.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It was touched off by a woman named Ann Cole, who began having "fits" in which she shook and spoke of the devil, according to an account by a Hartford minister included in the book "Witch-Hunting in Seventeenth-Century New England". Seventeenth-Century New England

The New York Times

The pope has spoken of the devil a number of times as a real entity, not as simply a representation of evil.

Huffington Post

"Everybody is suffering from the schedule," said Brodeur, speaking of the Devils' fatigue.

The New York Times - Sports

Now, turning to the man on his right, he began to speak of the white devils with whom I had last appeared on TV: What had they made him (me) feel?

The New Yorker

Blatter, alone on the press conference podium at Fifa headquarters, spoke of "all the devils who are in this game".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "speak of the devil" when someone you were just talking about suddenly appears, creating a humorous or ironic effect.

Common error

Avoid using "speak of the devil" in serious or somber situations where humor would be inappropriate. The phrase is best suited for lighthearted or casual settings.

How to use

Learn how to use "speak of the devil" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The phrase "speak of the devil" functions as an interjection or idiom. Ludwig confirms that it's a recognized expression used when someone appears shortly after being mentioned in conversation. It is a way to acknowledge the coincidence, often humorously.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "speak of the devil" is a common and correct idiom used when someone appears unexpectedly after being mentioned. As Ludwig confirms, this expression serves to acknowledge the coincidence, often with a touch of humor. While the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used in news and media, it's best suited for informal or neutral contexts. Alternatives include "talk of the devil" or more literal descriptions depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Talk of the devil

A more concise variation with identical meaning.

As soon as we mention him

Highlights the timing aspect of someone's arrival after being discussed.

Just when we were talking about you

Highlights the coincidence of the person's arrival.

Look who's here

A direct, less idiomatic way to acknowledge someone's arrival.

The person we were just discussing

A literal description of the situation.

And here they are

Emphasizes the unexpected appearance.

If you say his name

Suggests that mentioning someone's name conjures their presence.

Who should appear but

A more formal or literary phrasing.

Out of nowhere

Highlights the unexpectedness of the person's arrival

It's like a spell

Implies the act of conjuring a person's presence by speaking of them.

FAQs

How can I use "speak of the devil" in a sentence?

You can use "speak of the devil" when someone you were just talking about appears unexpectedly. For example, if you're complaining about a friend's tardiness and they walk in, you could say, "Well, "speak of the devil", you're finally here!"

What does "speak of the devil" actually mean?

The phrase "speak of the devil" is an idiom used when a person appears just after being talked about. It's a way to acknowledge the coincidence, often with a humorous or slightly surprised tone.

Are there any alternatives to "speak of the devil"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "talk of the devil", or a more literal description like "Just when we were talking about you!" depending on the context.

Is "speak of the devil" formal or informal?

"Speak of the devil" is generally considered informal and is best used in casual conversations. It might be inappropriate in very formal or professional settings.