Say it like this
- The devil is in the details with this implementation.
- Watch out—the devil is always in the details.
- We found the devil in the details during testing.
Use it at work
Warning
- The plan looks simple, but the devil is in the details.
- Migrating is easy in theory. The devil is in the details.
Asking for care
- Let's check edge cases. The devil is in the details.
- Before we sign, read the terms. The devil's in the details.
After a problem
- The devil was in the details: a time zone bug.
- We missed one small detail, and it broke everything.
Don't say this
This phrase is not a verb. You cannot 'devil in the details' something. Use it as a noun phrase or clause instead.
Practice
Try it
4 quick exercises
1. Your team found a critical bug in the authentication flow right before launch. How do you describe the situation?
2. Before we merge this pull request, remember that _______ —we need to verify all error handling paths.
3. Which sentence uses 'devil in the details' incorrectly?
4. Rewrite this sentence using 'devil in the details': 'The system looks like it works, but if we do not check all the small parts carefully, we will have big problems.'
Say it out loud
Phrase 1 of 3
"The devil is in the details with this implementation."
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More about devil in the details
Real examples(3)
- in a standup
"Our deployment looks good on the surface, but the devil is in the details—we need to test the rollback procedure thoroughly."
- in a code review
"This refactoring looks clean, but the devil is in the details. Have we handled all the null-pointer exceptions?"
- in a team meeting
"The project timeline seems reasonable, but remember: the devil is in the details. We should budget extra time for integration testing."
More mistakes(2)
Handle with care. Do not use this as a verb. It is not something you do to something; it describes where problems hide. Avoid saying 'We need to devil in the details this' — use 'We need to watch out for the devil in the details' instead.
- ✕The devil in the details are causing problems.✓The devil is in the details, causing problems.
Use singular verb forms. The subject is 'devil' (singular), not 'details.' The phrase is 'the devil is in the details.'
- ✕I found a devil in the details yesterday.✓I found the devil in the details yesterday.
Use the definite article 'the.' It is a specific, well-known idiom: 'the devil is in the details,' not 'a devil.'
Other forms(2)
- the devil is in the details noun phrase
"The devil is in the details—we must test every edge case."
- the devil in the details noun phrase variant
"The devil in the details will catch us if we rush this release."
Often used with(4)
- watch out for · Often used together: 'Watch out for the devil in the details' when giving a warning.
- lies in · Used in: 'The devil lies in the details' as a variant form.
- catch / trip us up · Often paired in: 'The devil in the details will catch us if we are not careful.'
- before / prior to · Used to indicate timing: 'We need to understand the devil in the details before shipping.'
Similar words(3)
- God is in the details · A positive counterpart emphasizing that excellence requires attention to specifics; less common in tech.
- the small print · Refers to hidden or overlooked conditions; more literal and less metaphorical than the devil phrase.
- edge cases · More technical term used in programming; refers to specific corner cases rather than general small details.
Opposites(3)
- big picture
- overview
- high-level view
Questions(5)
- What does devil in the details mean in software engineering?
- In software engineering, 'the devil is in the details' means that small, often-overlooked elements of code, specifications, or processes can cause major problems. It emphasizes the importance of thorough testing, careful code review, and attention to edge cases. For example, a seemingly minor difference in how a database handles NULL values could cause a critical production failure.
- How do you use devil in the details in a sentence at work?
- Use it as a warning or observation about hidden complexity: 'The API integration looks straightforward, but the devil is in the details—we need to test timeout scenarios.' Or: 'Remember: the devil lies in the details with distributed systems.' You can also use it when explaining why something requires careful attention: 'This refactoring is critical, and the devil is in the details, so we are scheduling extra review time.'
- Is devil in the details formal or informal?
- It is neutral—neither strictly formal nor strictly informal. It is common in professional meetings, emails, and presentations across tech companies worldwide. You can safely use it in any workplace context, from casual standups to formal documentation.
- Can you use devil in the details as a verb?
- No. It is not a verb. You cannot say 'We need to devil in the details this.' Instead, use it as a noun phrase: 'The devil is in the details' or 'We must watch out for the devil in the details.' Common verbs that work with it include: 'is,' 'lies,' 'hides,' and 'can be.'
- What is the origin of this phrase?
- The phrase comes from the old proverb 'The devil is in the details.' Its exact origin is debated, but it has been used for centuries in English to express the idea that perfection and success require careful attention to small things. The modern tech use emphasizes how small coding mistakes or specification oversights can cause major system failures.
