devil is in the details
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
In allusion to God is in the detail.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Proverb[edit]
- (idiomatic) The specific provisions of, or particular steps for implementing, a general plan, policy, or contract may be complicated, controversial, or unworkable.
- 1965, Newsweek, volume 65, page 173:
- Krupp already has an agreement in principle for the deal, but precise details are still being worked out by Polish officials and a Krupp bargaining team ("The devil is in the details," Beitz says).
- 1998 December 16, Alain L. Sanders, “Israel: Let the People Speak”, in Time[1], archived from the original on 8 April 2009:
- The country has developed a strong consensus for peace, but the devil is in the details over what concessions should be made.
Usage notes[edit]
Detail as a mass noun is also used instead of details:
- The devil is in the detail.
Translations[edit]
specific provisions of something may be complicated
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