Speak of the devil: Meaning and Examples

Updated 2026-10-03 · Idiom Meanings editorial team

Quick answer: Speak of the devil is a common English idiom used when a person you were just talking about suddenly appears. It serves as a lighthearted greeting that acknowledges the coincidental timing of their arrival.

What Does "speak of the devil" Mean?

This phrase is used to acknowledge the sudden appearance of someone who was recently mentioned in conversation. It acts as a humorous or casual way to greet that person upon their arrival.

The expression captures the surprise and mild amusement of a coincidence. It implies that the mere act of discussing the person somehow summoned them into the room, creating a playful moment.

How People Use It Today

People use this idiom in casual social settings, office break rooms, or family gatherings. It is almost always delivered with a smile or a laugh to ensure the recipient knows the comment is friendly rather than insulting.

Example Sentences

Speak of the devil, here comes Sarah right after we mentioned her new job.
I was just telling John about his missing keys, and speak of the devil, he walked in.
Speak of the devil, our favorite teacher just entered the staff lounge.
We were discussing Mark for minutes, and speak of the devil, he called my phone.
Speak of the devil, the person I needed to see is standing right in front of me.
I mentioned my brother was coming to town, and speak of the devil, he is here.
Speak of the devil, the guest speaker just arrived for our afternoon meeting.
We were complaining about the weather, and speak of the devil, it started raining.
Speak of the devil, I see my old neighbor walking toward us down the street.
I was just saying Alex is always late, and speak of the devil, he finally arrived.

Idioms With a Similar Meaning

Talk of the angel: A polite alternative used to avoid the negative connotation of devil, often preferred by religious groups.
Look who the cat dragged in: More insulting and sarcastic, used to mock someone for arriving late or looking disheveled.
As if on cue: Focuses on the timing coincidence without naming the person, often used for events rather than arrivals.
Like clockwork: Describes predictability and regularity rather than the surprise of a sudden, coincidental appearance.
Right on time: A positive affirmation of punctuality, lacking the humorous element of a coincidental mention.
The man of the hour: Highlights someone's importance or recent success rather than the coincidence of their arrival.

Opposite or Contrasting Phrases

Out of sight, out of mind: Suggests forgetting someone because they are absent, whereas speak of the devil implies remembering them vividly.
Lost in the crowd: Describes being unnoticed or overlooked, contrasting with the immediate attention given by this idiom.
Avoiding the subject: Refers to deliberately not talking about someone, which is the opposite of mentioning them just before they appear.
Silent disappearance: Implies leaving without notice, while this phrase celebrates a noticeable and timely arrival.

When to Use It and When Not To

This idiom works best in informal environments with friends, colleagues, or family members who understand its playful nature. It adds a touch of humor to everyday interactions and acknowledges social coincidences in a friendly manner.

Avoid using it in formal professional documents, official reports, or when addressing someone you do not know well. The reference to the devil can be misinterpreted as rude or superstitious in serious or conservative contexts.

Example Dialogues

I was just wondering if David would join us for lunch.

Speak of the devil, he just turned the corner.

Do you think our boss is going to approve the budget?

Speak of the devil, she is walking toward the conference room.

We really need a plumber to fix this leak.

Speak of the devil, I see his truck pulling into the driveway.

I hope Elena remembers to bring the presentation slides.

Speak of the devil, here she comes with the folder.

It is strange that Mike never texts back promptly.

Speak of the devil, my phone is buzzing with his name.

More Example Sentences

We were discussing the new software update, and speak of the devil, the notification popped up on my screen.
Speak of the devil, the librarian I needed to consult with just entered the study hall.
My colleagues were debating the best pizza place in town, and speak of the devil, the delivery driver arrived at our door.
I mentioned that my cousin might visit the office, and speak of the devil, he is currently in the lobby.
The team was complaining about the lack of coffee, and speak of the devil, the supply cart rolled in.
We were trying to remember the name of that actor, and speak of the devil, he appeared on the television screen.
Speak of the devil, the client we were scheduling for tomorrow just called to confirm the time.
I was telling my friend about a rare bird sighting, and speak of the devil, one flew past our window.

In Formal Writing, Say This Instead

Coincidentally: Coincidentally, the committee chair arrived just as we discussed the agenda.
As if by arrangement: As if by arrangement, the vendor appeared immediately after the contract was reviewed.
Unexpectedly: The project manager unexpectedly joined the meeting while we were addressing the delays.
By chance: By chance, the expert we referenced in the report attended the conference.
Synchronously: The client contacted us synchronously with our internal discussion about their account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is speak of the devil considered rude?

It can be if the listener is sensitive to religious references. Many people prefer 'speak of the angel' to avoid any potential offense or negative connotations.

Why is it called speak of the devil?

The phrase relies on the superstition that naming something evil attracts it. It is a playful nod to the idea that talking about a person summons them.

Can I use this in business emails?

Generally no. It is too informal for professional correspondence. Stick to polite greetings or direct references to the person in written business communication.

Is there a longer version of this idiom?

Yes, the full traditional phrase is 'speak of the devil and he shall appear.' The shorter version is much more common in modern daily conversation.