Speak of the devil- Idiom: Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
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Have you ever had a moment where you say something, and then it happens? Like, you say “I’m so hungry,” and then someone offers you food? Or you say “I need to find a job,” and then you see a job posting for your dream job?
Well, If you’ve ever had an experience like that, you’ve experienced the “Speak of the devil” idiom. It’s a way of saying that someone or something has appeared or arrived just after they were mentioned. So, Let’s check out the speak of the devil meaning here:
Meaning of Speaking of the Devil
- said when a person appears just after being mentioned.
History of Speaking of the Devil
The idiom speak of the devil is thought to have originated in the 16th century. It is based on the belief that evil spirits can be summoned by speaking their name.
When someone suddenly appears after being talked about, it is sometimes seen as a sign that they have been listening in on the conversation. The idiom can be used in a humorous way or in a more serious way.
Idiom Scenarios:
Scenario 1:
- You and your friend are discussing weekend plans, and you mention how John always cancels at the last minute.
- Your friend: Speaking of the devil, here comes John now!
Scenario 2:
- At a family gathering, you’re discussing a cousin who rarely attends such events due to work commitments.
- Your aunt: Guess what? Speak of the devil, there’s our elusive cousin!
Scenario 3:
- During a meeting at work, you’re discussing the challenges of a specific project, and your manager enters the room.
- You: Well, speak of the devil, here’s our chance to address these concerns directly.
Examples of Speaking of the Devil
- Speak of the devil! We all were just talking about you.
- Have you heard about david?Oh! Speak of the devil and here he comes!
- The weather seems bad, it might rain today.Oh! Speak of the devil and here it comes!
- I was just talking about you the other day! Speak of the devil!
- I was wondering if you were ever going to show up. Speak of the devil!
- I was just about to call you. Speak of the devil!
- Oh, look who it is! Speak of the devil!
- I was just thinking about you the other day. Speak of the devil!
- I was just about to say your name! Speak of the devil!
- I bet you were just thinking about me! Speak of the devil!
In each of these examples, someone is talking about another person, and then that person suddenly appears. The idiom speak of the devil is used to express surprise or coincidence. It can also be used in a more serious way to suggest that someone is being talked about behind their back.
Exercise:
- Alice was telling us about her new roommate, and __________, he walked into the room.
- We were discussing the upcoming project, and wouldn’t you know it, __________, our project manager entered the conference room.
- Just as I was mentioning how rarely we see that old car around, __________, it drove by the window.
- Jane was talking about her friend who always brings up controversial topics, and __________, her friend joined our conversation.
- Tom was sharing a story about a colleague who’s known for telling jokes, and __________, that colleague came over to say hello.
Answers:
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Conclusion
Do you believe in coincidences? The idiom “Speak of the devil” is a reminder that sometimes, things happen in strange and unexpected ways. It’s a way of saying that the universe may be listening to us, even when we don’t realize it.
So next time you’re feeling like the universe is conspiring against you, or like whatever you’re talking about suddenly appears, remember the idiom “Speak of the devil.” It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected things can happen. And who knows? Maybe it’s all for a reason.
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