IdiomThe Absurd
English
Englishspeak of the devil
Meaning: An expression used when someone who is being talked about has just appeared.
Example: “Speak of the devil: here comes Marta now.”
Equivalents in other languages
Korean: 호랑이도 제 말 하면 온다 (Horangido je mal hamyeon onda) Literally: Even a tiger comes when you speak of it
Lithuanian: Vilką minim, vilkas čia Literally: We mention the wolf, and here's the wolf
Origin: The expression has a slightly negative connotation, because of the reference to the devil, but it is usually meant humorously.
More English idioms
- speak one's mind To tell someone how one feels or what one thinks.
- speak one's piece To say what one has come to say, especially in one uninterrupted turn.
- spitting image An exact likeness.
- split hairs To argue about some detail that is not important.
- spring something on someone To surprise someone with something.
- on the spur of the moment Suddenly or spontaneously; without advance planning.
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Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.
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