speak of the devil

短语
中文释义

英文释义

短语
  1. An expression sometimes used when a person mentioned in the current conversation happens to arrive on the scene. humorous,idiomatic
    — A: You know who would appreciate this? Tom. B: Speak of the devil! Look who just walked in!

词形变化

talk of the devil alternative

词源

Ellipsis of speak of the devil and he shall appear, which can be traced back to “talk of the Devil, and he’s presently at your elbow”, attested in 1666. The idea behind this (namely, that mentioning a dangerous creature may cause it to appear) is found in many cultures around the world; see taboo avoidance.
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