make a mountain out of a molehill
/meɪk ə ˈmaʊntɪn aʊt əv ə ˈmoʊlhɪl/
Meaning
This expression means to exaggerate a minor, trivial problem and treat it as if it were a major crisis. It is used casually to criticize someone for overreacting or being overly dramatic. The metaphor compares a tiny dirt pile made by a mole (a molehill) to a massive mountain.
Examples
-
It's just a tiny scratch on the car; don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
It's just a tiny scratch on the car; don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
-
She's making a mountain out of a molehill over a simple misunderstanding.
She's making a mountain out of a molehill over a simple misunderstanding.
-
I know we missed the deadline, but let's not make a mountain out of a molehill.
I know we missed the deadline, but let's not make a mountain out of a molehill.
-
He always makes a mountain out of a molehill when things don't go exactly as planned.
He always makes a mountain out of a molehill when things don't go exactly as planned.
-
Stop making a mountain out of a molehill; it's an easy fix!
Stop making a mountain out of a molehill; it's an easy fix!
Common Mistakes
-
✗ Don't build a mountain out of a molehill.
✓ Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
The verb in this fixed idiom is 'make', not 'build' or 'create'.
-
✗ She is making a mountain from a molehill.
✓ She is making a mountain out of a molehill.
The correct prepositional phrase is 'out of', which indicates transformation. Using 'from' is non-standard.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
It's only a five-minute delay, so please don't ___.
💡 Do not exaggerate a small issue.
Show answer
make a mountain out of a molehill
-
He is always ___ whenever there is a minor error in the report.
💡 Use the continuous (-ing) form of the verb.
Show answer
making a mountain out of a molehill