Practice

Learn Write Conversation Exam Prep

Vocabulary

Phrases My Words

Progress

Progress League History

SupportAccount Log Out

Home Learn Write Chat

Grammar Phrases Exams Pricing Blog

Home
Phrases
speak of the devil

Idiom · B2

speak of the devil

Meaning

Said when someone appears just as you mention them.

Example

Speak of the devil, we were just talking about you!

When to use it

Spoken only, light-hearted.

Upper intermediate (B2): sounds natural and fluent.

Try "speak of the devil" in a sentence

Write two or three sentences with it. Nib checks the grammar and tells you if it sounds natural.

More idioms

a blessing in disguiseSomething bad that turns out to be good
a long shotAn attempt with little chance of success
actions speak louder than wordsWhat people do matters more than what they say
against the clockRushing to finish before a deadline
back to square oneBack to the beginning after a failed attempt
beat around the bushTo avoid saying something directly
bite off more than you can chewTo take on more than you can manage
call it a dayTo stop working for the day

See all 244 phrases →

PenLingo

Write a little English every day. Nib shows you exactly what to fix, and why.

Learn English

Grammar lessons
Phrasal verbs & idioms
Writing prompts
Free grammar checker

Exam writing

IELTS writing
TOEFL writing
Cambridge English
PTE Academic
All exams

PenLingo

Pricing
FAQ
Blog
Contact
Privacy
Terms

© 2026 PenLingo