What does “To make a mountain out of a molehill.” mean?
"To make a mountain out of a molehill" means to exaggerate or overreact to a situation that is relatively minor or insignificant.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She always makes a mountain out of a molehill. Even the smallest issue becomes a huge drama with her.
Example
I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill. It's just a minor setback, not a catastrophe.
Example
Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill. It's not worth getting so worked up over such a small matter
Is “To make a mountain out of a molehill.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To make a mountain out of a molehill.” 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 “To make a mountain out of a molehill.” effectively in context?
You can use "To make a mountain out of a molehill" to caution someone against exaggerating or overreacting to a situation that is relatively minor or insignificant. It emphasizes the need to keep things in perspective and avoid blowing things out of proportion. For example, if a friend is getting overly upset about a small mistake at work, you might say, 'Don't make a mountain out of a molehill. It's just a minor error, not a catastrophe.'
- 1Personal Relationships
She always makes a mountain out of a molehill. Even the smallest issue becomes a huge drama with her.
- 2Problem Solving
I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill. It's just a minor setback, not a catastrophe.
- 3Conflict Resolution
Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill. It's not worth getting so worked up over such a small matter.
Similar phrases to “To make a mountain out of a molehill.”:
Blow things out of proportion
To exaggerate or overreact to a situation
Example
He tends to blow things out of proportion and make small issues seem much bigger.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To make a mountain out of a molehill.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To make a mountain out of a molehill" is unknown.
Is “To make a mountain out of a molehill.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "To make a mountain out of a molehill" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to remind others to keep things in perspective and avoid unnecessary drama or exaggeration.
What tone does “To make a mountain out of a molehill.” have?
"To make a mountain out of a molehill" conveys a tone of caution and reason. It's often used to advise against overreacting or blowing things out of proportion.
Can “To make a mountain out of a molehill.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "To make a mountain out of a molehill" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of keeping things in perspective. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She always makes a mountain out of a molehill.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Don't "make a mountain out of a molehill"!' to imply the need for perspective.
