What does "Speak of the devil" mean? And how would you use it?

Question

What does "Speak of the devil" mean? And how would you use it?

Answer 1

in more detail,

its when you talk about anything (people, situations or inanimate objects) and suddenly they appear coincidentally, then you would use the phrase "speak of the devil..."

Answer 2

speak/talk of the devil:-

*something that you say when a person you are talking about arrives and you are not expecting them*

e.g:~

Apparently, Lisa went there and wasn't very impressed - oh, talk of the devil, here she is.

^_^

Answer 3

"Speak of the devil" is an expression or phrase used when someone appears after you mention his/her name... This phrase came from an old English saying " Speak of the Devil and he shall appear." People believed if you made a mention of devil word of devil, he'd appear. "

Answer 4

It comes from an old idea that if you speak of the devil, he'll appear. You would use it if someone arrived just after you were talking about them.

Answer 5

This is an expression used when someone appears after just being mentioned by other people. It derived from the superstition that the devil would appear if his name was spoken.

An example of it being used is as follows:

Jane: Who is the girl who's mother works at the library?

Jack: Isn't it Eliza?

[Eliza walks into the room]

Jane: Well, speak of the devil! Eliza, we were just talking about you!

It is also often used in negative contexts, to indicate that someone who was being spoken of offensively has arrived:

Tim: Daniel was being so irritating at work today, did you see his pathetic little grin when Amy announced his promotion?

Frances: Tell me about it!! He was driving me crazy all day!!

[Daniel enters the cafe]

Tim: (rolls his eyes and mumbles) Ugh... speak of the devil...

Hope this helps!

Answer 6

like if ur talking about someone and then see them straight after u finish talking to them...