The devil is in the details

Meaning

Small issues cause big problems if ignored.

Usage

Warns not to overlook specifics.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

A variation of the older saying 'God is in the details'.

The 'devil' version is recorded from the 20th century.