make a mountain out of a molehill
Meaning
To exaggerate a small problem and treat it as if it were very serious.
Origin
Recorded from the 16th century; the metaphor contrasts a tiny molehill with a huge mountain to criticize exaggeration or overreaction.
Notes
Often mildly critical, used to tell someone they’re overreacting or exaggerating. Common in everyday conversation and writing.
Examples
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You’re making a mountain out of a molehill; it was just a typo in the email.
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Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill—missing one workout won’t ruin your progress.
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She made a mountain out of a molehill when the waiter brought the wrong side dish.
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If we make a mountain out of a molehill, we’ll waste the whole day arguing over nothing.
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He tends to make a mountain out of a molehill whenever plans change at the last minute.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed pattern: “make a mountain out of a molehill.” Verb can inflect (makes/made/making). Often used with “don’t” or “stop” to advise against exaggeration.
Synonyms
- exaggerate
- blow it out of proportion
- overreact
- make a big deal out of nothing
Antonyms
- keep things in perspective
- make light of it
- downplay it