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Devil Is in the Details

What Does "Devil Is in the Details" Mean?

homeidiomsDevil Is in the Details
"Devil is in the details" is an English idiom. It means "while something may seem simple or straightforward at a first glance, complications or challenges arise when looking more closely."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "devil is in the details" used in a sentence:
  • The project seemed easy at first, but the devil is in the details.
  • We agreed on the main terms, but the devil will be in the details.
  • This contract seems straightforward, but remember, the devil is in the details.
meaning for devil is in the details

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Devil Is in the Details" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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