Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

speak-of-the-devil

idiom

/spiːk əv ðə ˈdɛvəl/

Definition

This phrase is used when someone mentioned appears unexpectedly, typically right after they were spoken about.

Examples

We were just talking about Sarah, and then she walked in. Speak of the devil!
Speak of the devil! Here comes John, just as we were discussing his new project.
I can’t believe it! We were just discussing the movie, and he shows up—speak of the devil!

Meaning

The expression suggests that a person has suddenly arrived or shown up just as someone was talking about them, often in a lighthearted or joking manner.