Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

make a mountain out of a molehill

idiom
/meɪk ə ˈmaʊntən aʊt əv ə ˈmoʊlhɪl/
Definition
To exaggerate a minor problem or issue, making it seem far more significant than it really is.
Examples
  • She tends to make a mountain out of a molehill whenever she has to deal with a little friction at work.
  • Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill; it’s just a small mistake, and we can easily fix it.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone treats a small difficulty as if it is a major crisis or problem.
Synonyms
  • Overreact
  • Blow out of proportion
  • Make a fuss
  • Exaggerate