Welcome to our exploration of “details” idioms! Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say, but they have a special meaning to people who understand them. In this post, we’ll look at idioms that involve the word “details” or are related to the theme of “details”. These phrases are fun and can help you sound more like a native speaker!
Detail Idioms
Here are 20 detail idioms in English.
1. Devil is in the details
Meaning: Small things can cause problems.
Example: Careful planning matters; the devil is in the details.
2. Lose sight of the details
Meaning: Overlook small, important parts.
Example: Don’t rush and lose sight of the details.
3. Sweating the small stuff
Meaning: Worrying about little things.
Example: She’s always sweating the small stuff.
4. Fine-tooth comb
Meaning: Examine in great detail.
Example: He went through the contract with a fine-tooth comb.
5. Get down to brass tacks
Meaning: Focus on important details.
Example: Let’s get down to brass tacks now.
6. In the weeds
Meaning: Lost in small details.
Example: We got so in the weeds with planning.
7. Nitty-gritty
Meaning: Essential aspects or details.
Example: We need to discuss the nitty-gritty.
8. Dot the i’s and cross the t’s
Meaning: Be meticulous in details.
Example: Make sure to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
9. Fine print
Meaning: Important details in documents.
Example: Always read the fine print carefully.
10. The bigger picture
Meaning: Overall view, not just details.
Example: Focus on the bigger picture.
11. Miss the forest for the trees
Meaning: Overfocus on details.
Example: Don’t miss the forest for the trees.
12. Paint a detailed picture
Meaning: Describe very clearly.
Example: He painted a detailed picture of the event.
13. Mired in details
Meaning: Overwhelmed by details.
Example: She was mired in details.
14. Look at the fine points
Meaning: Examine details closely.
Example: We must look at the fine points first.
15. Go over with a fine-tooth comb
Meaning: Examine in detail.
Example: Go over your work with a fine-tooth comb.
16. To split hairs
Meaning: Argue about minor details.
Example: Let’s not split hairs over this.
17. Leave no stone unturned
Meaning: Check every detail.
Example: We left no stone unturned in our investigation.
18. Iron out the kinks
Meaning: Resolve small problems.
Example: We need to iron out the kinks first.
19. Into the minutiae
Meaning: Deep into small details.
Example: He’s really into the minutiae of his hobby.
20. Cover every base
Meaning: Consider all details or aspects.
Example: Make sure to cover every base.
