meɪk ə ˈmaʊntɪn aʊt əv ə ˈmoʊlhɪl
Nature & Weather
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- To create a mountain from a small mound made by a mole
What does "make a mountain out of a molehill" mean?
- To exaggerate a small problem into a big one
- To overreact to a minor issue
Examples
- You're making a mountain out of a molehill—it's just a small scratch.
- She tends to make mountains out of molehills.
- Don't make a mountain out of a molehill over this minor delay.
Origin
First recorded in the 16th century. A molehill is a tiny mound of earth; treating it as a mountain shows extreme exaggeration.
How to use it
Common for criticizing overreaction. Suggests the problem is minor but the reaction is excessive.
Similar expressions
exaggerate
overreact
blow out of proportion
Opposites
downplay
minimize
keep in perspective
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- go with the flow
To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
Use it in a practice answer
Try "make a mountain out of a molehill" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.