Make a mountain out of a molehill

usgb
verb

To make a small, unimportant problem seem much larger and serious than it really is.

She made a mountain out of a molehill when she saw that tiny scratch on her car.
Visual representation of "make a mountain out of a molehill" - To make a small, unimportant problem seem much larger and serious than it really is.

Often appears as...

  • don't make a mountain out of a molehill
  • she is making a mountain out of a molehill

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "make a mountain out of a molehill"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiom Origin

Understanding it evolved from the literal molehills helps grasp the exaggeration aspect.

Illustration for Idiom Origin
It's just a small error, no need to make a mountain out of a molehill.
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Figurative Use

It's not used for actual hills or mountains. It’s strictly a metaphor for problems.

Illustration for Figurative Use
I only mentioned the issue once, don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
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Informal Tone

The phrase is common in casual conversation, but might not suit formal writing.

Illustration for Informal Tone
You're making a mountain out of a molehill over this, let's just relax.
Visual representation of the word "Make a mountain out of a molehill"

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