proverb · Words worth keeping
Talk of the devil and his imp appears.
Talk of the devil and his imp appears.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying joins talk about the devil with the appearance of his imp. It makes a coincidence between a topic and an arrival sound like a mischievous response.
Example
A speaker notices a related subject appearing just after it has been mentioned and treats the coincidence lightly.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The imp gives the appearance a smaller, related figure rather than repeating the named subject exactly. A careful reading can recognise the playful link without claiming that speech summons a supernatural being. The phrase may mark an unexpected arrival, but the person or event should not be treated as evil because of the joke.
When to use it
Use it to discuss a playful coincidence of mention and appearance.
Keep in mind
The saying does not establish supernatural causation or anyone’s moral identity.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English