Devil lies in the details Meaning in English

expression

US

DEH-vuhl LYZ in thuh DEE-taylz

UK

DEV-uhl LYZ in thee DEE-taylz

Definition

This expression means small details are very important, because if you ignore them, they can cause big problems.

Usage & Nuances

Used in formal and informal contexts to warn people not to overlook important small aspects. Often said when planning, reviewing, or checking work. Can be phrased as 'the devil is in the details'; both are common.

• 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 खोटी या परेशानी बारीकियों में छुपी है
• Arabic: الشيطان يكمن في التفاصيل
• Bengali: সূক্ষ্মাতিসূক্ষ্ম জিনিসেই সব গন্ডগোল - সব রহস্য লুকিয়ে থাকে খুঁটিনাটিতে
• Russian: дьявол кроется в деталях
• Japanese: 細部にこそ悪魔が潜む - 細部に悪魔がいる
• Vietnamese: ma quỷ ẩn trong tiểu tiết
• Korean: 악마는 디테일에 있다
• Turkish: şeytan ayrıntıda gizlidir
• Urdu: شیطان تفصیلات میں چھپا ہوتا ہے
• Indonesian: setan ada di detailnya

Example Sentences

Remember, the devil lies in the details when signing contracts.

basic

The architect said the devil lies in the details of the design.

basic

Be careful, because the devil lies in the details.

basic

Yeah, your plan sounds great, but you know—the devil lies in the details.

natural

We solved the big problems, but the devil lies in the details we still need to fix.

natural

Don’t rush through the instructions—the devil lies in the details, trust me.

natural