المعنى
Said when the person you were just talking about suddenly appears.
خلفية ثقافية
In the UK, you might hear 'Talk of the devil' just as often as 'Speak of the devil.' Both are considered equally correct and common. Americans almost exclusively use 'Speak of the devil.' It is a staple of sitcom humor and office small talk. In some very religious circles, people avoid this phrase because they don't like using the word 'devil' lightly. They might use 'Speak of the angel' instead, though this is much less common. On social media and in texting, people often use the devil emoji (😈) alongside the phrase to indicate the coincidence.
The 'Smile' Rule
Always say this with a smile. Since you are calling someone a 'devil,' a friendly tone ensures they know it's a joke about the timing, not an insult.
The Gossip Trap
If you were saying something mean, don't use this phrase. It confirms you were talking about them and makes the situation worse.
المعنى
Said when the person you were just talking about suddenly appears.
The 'Smile' Rule
Always say this with a smile. Since you are calling someone a 'devil,' a friendly tone ensures they know it's a joke about the timing, not an insult.
The Gossip Trap
If you were saying something mean, don't use this phrase. It confirms you were talking about them and makes the situation worse.
Regional Variations
If you are in London, try 'Talk of the devil' to sound more like a local!
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best response for the situation.
You and your friend are talking about your teacher, Mr. Smith. Suddenly, Mr. Smith walks past your table. What do you say?
'Speak of the devil!' is the standard idiomatic expression for this situation.
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
We were just wondering where you were, and ________ ____ ____ ________, here you are!
The full phrase is 'speak of the devil'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: 'I hope Sarah remembers to bring the keys.' B: '(Phone rings) Oh, ________ ____ ____ ________, she's calling me now!'
The idiom fits perfectly when someone contacts you right as you mention them.
Match the situation to the correct idiom usage.
Match: 1. Talking about a friend who then calls. 2. Talking about a bad storm that starts. 3. Talking about a lost dog that returns.
The idiom is used for people (and sometimes pets), but not for weather or inanimate objects.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينYou and your friend are talking about your teacher, Mr. Smith. Suddenly, Mr. Smith walks past your table. What do you say?
'Speak of the devil!' is the standard idiomatic expression for this situation.
We were just wondering where you were, and ________ ____ ____ ________, here you are!
The full phrase is 'speak of the devil'.
A: 'I hope Sarah remembers to bring the keys.' B: '(Phone rings) Oh, ________ ____ ____ ________, she's calling me now!'
The idiom fits perfectly when someone contacts you right as you mention them.
Match: 1. Talking about a friend who then calls. 2. Talking about a bad storm that starts. 3. Talking about a lost dog that returns.
The idiom is used for people (and sometimes pets), but not for weather or inanimate objects.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it's not rude. It's a very common, friendly idiom. However, it is informal, so don't use it in a very serious business meeting.
Technically, the idiom is 'speak,' but people often use it for thoughts too. You can say, 'I was just thinking about you! Speak of the devil!'
No, almost everyone just says 'Speak of the devil.' The full version is only for extra emphasis or drama.
If you have a friendly relationship with your boss, yes. If your boss is very strict or formal, it's better to say 'We were just discussing your ideas.'
You still say 'Speak of the devil' (singular). The idiom doesn't usually change to 'devils.'
Some people say 'Speak of the angel,' but it's much less common. Most people use 'Speak of the devil' even for people they like.
Yes! If you are talking about your dog and he runs into the room, it's very cute to say 'Speak of the devil!'
It comes from old superstitions that saying the devil's name would make him appear. Now it's just a tradition.
Yes, if the person emails you while you are talking about them in a different thread, you can reply with 'Speak of the devil!'
Yes, it's one of the most common idioms in English-language movies and TV shows.
عبارات ذات صلة
Right on cue
similarHappening at the exact moment it was expected or needed.
Look who the cat dragged in
similarA humorous (and slightly rude) way to greet someone who just arrived.
Speak of the angel
specialized formA positive version of the idiom.
Small world
similarSaid when you meet someone unexpectedly in a strange place.
