Idiom B1

Speak of the devil

Said when someone you were just talking about appears

Meaning

Speak of the devil — Said when a person you have just been talking about unexpectedly appears or is heard from. It is usually said with a light-hearted, humorous tone.

Origin & History

The full original phrase was 'Speak of the devil and he will appear', a superstition warning that saying the devil's name could summon him. Over time it was shortened and lost its supernatural meaning, becoming a playful comment.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
Speak of the devil — we were just talking about you!Friend arriving unexpectedly
And speak of the devil, here comes Mark now.Colleague appearing mid-discussion
Speak of the devil! I just sent you a message and now you're calling me.Phone call coincidence

How to Use It

Informal. Common in spoken English. Use only in friendly, casual situations.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

Speak of devil! There he is.

Speak of the devil! There he is. — 'The' is required.

I speak of the devil when she walked in.

'Speak of the devil,' I said as she walked in. — It is an exclamation, not a regular verb phrase in past tense.

Similar Idioms

What a coincidence!Talk of the townAs if on cue All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Speak of the devil" mean?
"Speak of the devil" means said when someone you were just talking about appears. Said when a person you have just been talking about unexpectedly appears or is heard from. It is usually said with a light-hearted, humorous tone.
Where does the idiom "Speak of the devil" come from?
The full original phrase was 'Speak of the devil and he will appear', a superstition warning that saying the devil's name could summon him. Over time it was shortened and lost its supernatural meaning, becoming a playful comment.
Can you give an example of "Speak of the devil" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "Speak of the devil — we were just talking about you!" — used when friend arriving unexpectedly.
Is "Speak of the devil" formal or informal?
Informal. Common in spoken English. Use only in friendly, casual situations.
What CEFR level is "Speak of the devil"?
This idiom is typically taught at B1 level. It is a intermediate expression that appears in a wide range of spoken and written English contexts.
What are common mistakes with "Speak of the devil"?
The most common mistake is getting the articles wrong. Always use the fixed form of the idiom without changing the words. For example: Speak of the devil! There he is. — 'The' is required.
What idioms are similar to "Speak of the devil"?
Similar idioms include: What a coincidence!, Talk of the town, As if on cue. These share the same general meaning but may differ slightly in tone or context.
How do I practise idioms like "Speak of the devil"?
LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try to write your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "Speak of the devil" be used in writing?
Yes, but it depends on the register. Informal. Common in spoken English. Use only in friendly, casual situations. Idioms generally work best in spoken English or informal writing; avoid them in formal academic or professional documents unless you are sure of your audience.
Does "Speak of the devil" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Speak of the devil" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: said when someone you were just talking about appears. Some idioms vary between dialects, but this one is widely recognised in all major varieties of English.