What does "The devil is in the details" mean?

Here is a short explanation of what the phrase "The devil is in the details" means.

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What does "The devil is in the details" mean?

The phrase means that small details are often overlooked but can be crucial to the overall outcome or success of a project or situation.

When do you use "The devil is in the details"?

Use this phrase when discussing projects, plans, or situations where careful attention to detail is necessary to ensure success or to highlight the potential pitfalls of overlooking seemingly minor aspects.

"The devil is in the details" Usage Examples

  1. I thought the project was going smoothly, but I realized the devil is in the details when I saw the budget discrepancies.
  1. When planning an event, remember that the devil is in the details; make sure you have everything covered.
  1. The design looked perfect at first glance, but the devil is in the details, and we need to refine it further.
  1. He learned the hard way that the devil is in the details after his presentation was full of errors.
  1. In software development, the devil is in the details; a small bug can lead to major issues down the line.

"The devil is in the details" Explained

The origin of the phrase can be traced back to the idea that while a project may seem straightforward or simple, it is often the minor details that complicate things and lead to unexpected problems. The phrase emphasizes the need to pay attention to these details to avoid issues, drawing a connection between the devil as a metaphor for problems or complications.

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