How Do You Spell SPEAK OF THE DEVIL?

Pronunciation: [spˈiːk ɒvðə dˈɛvə͡l] (IPA)

The phrase "speak of the devil" is commonly used to mean that someone who is being discussed has suddenly appeared. The spelling of this phrase is quite straightforward, with each word pronounced just as it is written. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /spiːk ʌv ði ˈdevəl/. The pronunciation of each letter is also as expected, with the exception of the letter 'o' in "of", which is pronounced as a schwa sound /ʌ/.

SPEAK OF THE DEVIL Meaning and Definition

1. "Speak of the devil" is an idiomatic expression used to convey surprise or coincidence when someone who has just been mentioned or thought about unexpectedly appears or is mentioned. This phrase is commonly used to humorously acknowledge the presence or arrival of an individual who has coincidentally been the topic of conversation.

   The origin of this expression can be traced back to superstitions and folk beliefs. In earlier times, people held a belief that speaking the devil's name aloud could summon his presence. Therefore, when someone mentioned the devil, it was often followed by the expression "speak of the devil." Over time, it has evolved to lose its literal meaning and enter everyday speech as an idiomatic phrase.

   This expression is now widely used in informal situations to express surprise or amazement when the person being discussed suddenly appears or is mentioned, often causing a lighthearted moment between the speakers. It is often accompanied by a joking tone or smiling face, signifying the recognition of the coincidence.

   Overall, "speak of the devil" is an idiomatic phrase that has moved away from its superstitious origins to become a common expression conveying surprise or coincidence when someone mentioned unexpectedly shows up.

Common Misspellings for SPEAK OF THE DEVIL

• apeak of the devil
• zpeak of the devil
• xpeak of the devil
• dpeak of the devil
• epeak of the devil
• wpeak of the devil
• soeak of the devil
• sleak of the devil
• s-eak of the devil
• s0eak of the devil
• spwak of the devil
• spsak of the devil
• spdak of the devil
• sprak of the devil
• sp4ak of the devil
• sp3ak of the devil
• spezk of the devil
• spesk of the devil
• spewk of the devil

Idioms with the word SPEAK OF THE DEVIL

• speak of the devil The phrase "speak of the devil" is an idiom used to acknowledge that someone who has been the topic of conversation has suddenly appeared. It is often used humorously when the person being discussed unexpectedly shows up.
• speak of the devil, and he will appear This idiom means that if you are talking about someone and then they suddenly show up or appear unexpectedly.
• speak of the devil (and in he walks), The idiom "speak of the devil (and in he walks)" is used to express surprise when someone mentioned in a conversation suddenly appears or arrives. It implies that talking about a certain person can bring them into the situation unexpectedly.
• speak of the devil, and he is sure to appear The phrase "speak of the devil, and he is sure to appear" is an idiom that means when you're talking about someone and they suddenly appear.
• speak of the devil, and he appears The idiom "speak of the devil, and he appears" means that a person or thing that you have just been talking about will appear unexpectedly. It is often used humorously or ironically when someone who has just been mentioned suddenly enters the conversation or situation.
• speak of the devil, and he shall appear This idiom means that when you talk about someone, especially in a negative or critical way, they will often coincidentally show up or make an appearance. It is used to express surprise or amusement when the person being talked about unexpectedly arrives.