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speak of the devil

Meaning: An expression used when someone who is being talked about has just appeared.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: The Absurd

Origin: The expression has a slightly negative connotation, because of the reference to the devil, but it is usually meant humorously.

More idioms — The Absurd

  • strange bedfellows — People or things that one does not normally expect to find together.
  • strike it rich — To make money (sentence 1); or, less literally, to be wildly successful (sentence 2).
  • talk a blue streak — To talk fast and at length.
  • talk through one's hat — To speak without authority on some topic; to talk nonsense.
  • to beat the band — In an exaggerated manner; with a lot of effort or to the extreme.
  • to the hilt — To be fully committed to something; to do something completely.

More English idioms

  • speak one's mind — To tell someone how one feels or what one thinks.
  • speak one's piece — To tell someone how one feels or what one thinks.
  • 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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