Talk of the devil Meaning in English

expression

US

TAWK-uhv-thuh DEV-uhl

UK

TAWK-ov-thuh DEV-uhl

Definition

This expression is used when someone who is being talked about appears unexpectedly. It is a light and playful way to acknowledge their arrival.

Usage & Nuances

Primarily informal, often said when someone walks in just as you’re talking about them. In the US and UK, 'speak of the devil' is more common. Used playfully, not meant to offend.

• Spanish: hablando del diablo
• Portuguese (BR): falando do diabo
• Portuguese (PT): falar do diabo
• Chinese (Simplified): 说曹操，曹操到
• Chinese (Traditional): 說曹操，曹操到
• Hindi: जिसका नाम लो, वो हाज़िर
• Arabic: وإذا ذكرنا الشيطان
• Bengali: শেয়ালের কথা বললেই উপস্থিত
• Russian: о волке речь
• Japanese: 噂をすれば影
• Vietnamese: nói Tào Tháo, Tào Tháo đến
• Korean: 호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다
• Turkish: iyi insan lafının üstüne gelir
• Urdu: جس کا ذکر، وہ حاضر
• Indonesian: baru disebut, sudah datang

Example Sentences

We were just talking about you and here you are—talk of the devil!

basic

Oh look, talk of the devil—there’s Tom!

basic

I haven’t seen Anna in months, and now she walks in—talk of the devil.

basic

Seriously, every time we mention Steve, he walks in. Talk of the devil!

natural

"Hey, we were just gossiping about you!" "Oh, talk of the devil!"

natural

I just sent Mark a text and—wow, he’s calling me now! Talk of the devil.

natural