Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

the devil is in the details

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.20 in modern English

Syllables: the dev-il is in the de-tails
IPA

33

Scrabble Score

22

Letters

3

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

proverb

The specific provisions of, or particular steps for implementing, a general plan, policy, or contract may be complicated, controversial, or unworkable.

Example Sentences

"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)."
"The country has developed a strong consensus for peace, but the devil is in the details over what concessions should be made."
"“The devil will be in the details,” said Sarah Myers West, managing director of AI Now Institute, a policy research center."

Etymology

In allusion to God is in the detail.

Inflected Forms

the devil is in the detail (alternative)

Questions

What does the devil is in the details mean?: The specific provisions of, or particular steps for implementing, a general plan, policy, or contract may be complicated, controversial, or unworkable.
Where does the devil is in the details come from?: In allusion to God is in the detail.

How to pronounce the devil is in the details

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