the devil is in the details
Say it: the DEV-uhl is in the DEE-taylz /ðə ˌdɛvəl ɪz ɪn ðə ˈdiːteɪlz/ · idiom
What “the devil is in the details” means
Small details can cause big problems.
More precisely: Small details that seem unimportant can cause big problems.
Example: “The contract sounds great, but the devil is in the details.”
When to use it
When a promising plan needs careful checking because small details could cause trouble. Common in practical discussions and warnings.
Similar words
read the small print, details matter
Quick check
A holiday deal looks perfect until you notice tiny restrictions that make the flights unusable. Which phrase fits?
the devil is in the details or don't judge a book by its cover?
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the devil is in the details
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