🗣 Speak of the Devil 👹
Definition:
“Speak of the devil,” a phrase used to acknowledge the sudden reappearance of someone spoken about moments before. The full saying, “Speak of the devil and he’s sure to appear,” recalls a time when the mere mention of the devil could summon him. While the roots may seem superstitious, they underscore the notion that words hold power.
Synonyms:
- Call the devil and he doth appear
- Mention the devil and he’ll appear
Antonyms:
- Out of sight, out of mind
- Long time no see
Similar Expressions:
- As if by magic: Something happening suddenly as if by magic.
- Talk of angels and you hear their wings: Mentioning a person and hearing from or seeing them shortly after.
Quotes:
- “Speak of the devil, and he doth appear.” — Matthew Prior
- “Say the least, it wasn’t the devil I called for, but it’s still amazing how quickly surprises show up!” — Unknown
Proverbs:
- “When you speak of the wolf, you see his tail.” — French Proverb
- “Talk of the sun and you see its rays.” — Japanese Proverb
Literature & Media:
- [Book] “The Devil’s Dictionary” by Ambrose Bierce explores many such notions with dark humor.
- [Movie] “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006), where mentioning one’s boss may bring immediate consequence.
Fun Fact:
In the medieval period, people genuinely believed that talking about the devil too much could invite him to their presence. It was both a conversational icebreaker and a desperate plea to avoid supernatural trouble!
Quizzes:
Farewell Note
In the words of our beloved compilation’s fictitious author, Lexi Legend, “Never underestimate the power of a word well-spoken, for even in today’s world, the ghosts of old sayings live on.”
Inspirational Thought: Language and its many idioms serve as bridges that connect the past to our present, reminding us that words, once uttered, hold endless possibilities.
Until the next whimsical journey into the realm of expressions, may your words summon the best of surprises! 🌟
