PhrasesHub

make a mountain out of a molehill

    Definitions

      • exaggeration
        To make a small or insignificant issue seem much bigger or more important than it actually is

      • overreacting
        To react excessively or dramatically to a minor or unimportant problem

      • creating unnecessary drama
        To blow something out of proportion and cause more trouble or conflict than necessary

    Examples of make a mountain out of a molehill

    • John became extremely upset over a small mistake made by his coworker. He spent the entire day berating her and making a big deal out of the situation. His reaction was a classic example of making a mountain out of a molehill.

      The idiom "making a mountain out of a molehill" refers to exaggerating or overreacting to a small or insignificant issue. In this example, John's coworker's mistake was a molehill, but John's response was a mountain-sized overreaction.


    Conclusion

    This idiom is often used to describe someone who is making a big deal out of something that is not significant or important. It can also refer to someone who is overreacting or creating unnecessary drama. In general, it is used to emphasize the idea of exaggeration and making something seem much larger or more significant than it actually is.

    Origin of "make a mountain out of a molehill"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century, when the phrase "making a mountain out of a molehill" was first used by English writer Nicholas Udall in his work "Ralph Roister Doister." However, the phrase "molehill" was originally spelled as "moldwarp," which refers to a small, burrowing animal known as a mole.

    The idiom likely gained popularity due to the visual image it creates - a molehill, which is a small and insignificant mound of earth, being exaggerated into a large and imposing mountain. This exaggeration highlights the absurdity of making a big deal out of something that is not significant.

    Over time, the idiom has become a common phrase used in everyday language to describe someone who is overreacting or creating unnecessary drama. It serves as a reminder to not make small problems seem larger than they actually are and to maintain perspective in difficult situations.