The devil is in the details Meaning in English

expression

US

thuh DEV-uhl iz in thuh DEE-tailz

UK

thuh DEV-uhl iz in thuh DEE-taylz

Definition

This expression means that small or overlooked details can cause big problems or make something more complicated than it first seems.

Usage & Nuances

This phrase is typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts when emphasizing the importance of checking all details carefully, especially in contracts, projects, or instructions. Similar expressions include 'pay attention to the fine print.' Sometimes shortened to 'details matter.'

• Spanish: el diablo está en los detalles
• Portuguese (BR): o diabo está nos detalhes
• Portuguese (PT): o diabo está nos detalhes
• Chinese (Simplified): 魔鬼藏在细节里
• Chinese (Traditional): 魔鬼藏在細節裡
• Hindi: सारी मुश्किलें विवरण में छुपी होती हैं
• Arabic: الشيطان يكمن في التفاصيل
• Bengali: সর্বনাশ লুকিয়ে আছে ছোটখাটো বিশদে - ডিটেইলে সমস্যা লুকিয়ে থাকে
• Russian: дьявол кроется в деталях
• Japanese: 細部に悪魔が潜んでいる - 細部に注意が必要
• Vietnamese: ma quỷ nằm ở chi tiết
• Korean: 디테일에 악마가 있다 - 세부사항에 함정이 있다
• Turkish: şeytan ayrıntıda gizlidir
• Urdu: شیطان تفصیلات میں چھپا ہے
• Indonesian: setan ada di detail

Example Sentences

Before signing the contract, remember the devil is in the details.

basic

She checks every part because the devil is in the details.

basic

This plan looks simple, but the devil is in the details.

basic

Wow, you missed a tiny step and it ruined everything—the devil is in the details.

natural

It seemed like an easy recipe, but really, the devil is in the details when it comes to baking.

natural

I double-check my work because I know the devil is in the details—one mistake and it could all go wrong.

natural