What does “The mountain has brought forth a mouse.” mean?

"The mountain has brought forth a mouse" means that there has been a lot of effort or buildup for a small or insignificant result.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After months of preparation, the event turned out to be a complete disaster. The mountain has brought forth a mouse.

Example

They hyped up the movie so much, but it was really disappointing. The mountain has brought forth a mouse.

Example

I spent hours working on this project, but the end result was underwhelming. *The mountain has brought forth a mouse.

Is “The mountain has brought forth a mouse.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“The mountain has brought forth a mouse.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “The mountain has brought forth a mouse.” effectively in context?

You can use "The mountain has brought forth a mouse" to express disappointment or frustration when a lot of effort or buildup leads to a small or insignificant result. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:

1Event Planning
After months of preparation, the event turned out to be a complete disaster. The mountain has brought forth a mouse.
2Movie Review
They hyped up the movie so much, but it was really disappointing. The mountain has brought forth a mouse.
3Work Project
I spent hours working on this project, but the end result was underwhelming. The mountain has brought forth a mouse.

Similar phrases to “The mountain has brought forth a mouse.”:

Much ado about nothing

A lot of fuss or excitement about something that turns out to be unimportant or insignificant.

Example

They made a big deal about the new product, but it was much ado about nothing.

All bark and no bite

Someone who talks or threatens a lot but does not take action or follow through.

Example

He talks a big game, but he's all bark and no bite.

Make a mountain out of a molehill

To exaggerate or make a small problem seem much bigger or more important than it actually is.

Example

She always makes a mountain out of a molehill. It's just a minor issue.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “The mountain has brought forth a mouse.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "The mountain has brought forth a mouse" is unknown.

Is “The mountain has brought forth a mouse.” common in everyday conversation?

"The mountain has brought forth a mouse" is not a very common proverb in everyday conversation. It is more often used in written or formal contexts, such as literature, essays, or speeches.

What tone does “The mountain has brought forth a mouse.” have?

"The mountain has brought forth a mouse" conveys a tone of disappointment and frustration. It implies that the outcome does not match the effort or expectations put into something.

Can “The mountain has brought forth a mouse.” be used in informal and formal settings?

"The mountain has brought forth a mouse" is a formal proverb that is typically used in written or formal contexts. It may not be commonly used in casual or informal conversations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'After all the hype, the movie turned out to be a disappointment. The mountain has brought forth a mouse.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'The mountain has brought forth a mouse' to express disappointment.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

anticlimax
disappointing outcome
effort in vain
futile effort
disproportionate result

Antonyms

great success
worth the effort
exceed expectations
big achievement
significant outcome