make a mountain out of a molehill
make a mountain out of a molehill
English
Verb
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Definition
To treat a problem as greater than it is; to blow something out of proportion; to exaggerate the importance of something trivial.
Example Sentences
- "If you’re stuck in traffic, try not to make a mountain out of a molehill worrying about it too much. You could be making it much worse."
- "1573, John Bridges, The Supremacie of Christian Princes Over All Persons Throughout Theor Dominions, London: Humphrey Toye, Division 18, p. 553, to slaunder the Gospell ye aggrauate many lies, & will make a mountaine of a mole hill"
- "1642, James Howell, Instructions for Forreine Travell, London: Humphrey Mosley, Section 14, p. 176-177, Others have a custome to bee always relating strange things and wonders, […] they make Mountaines of Mole-hils, like Charenton-Bridge-Eccho, which doubles the sound nine times."
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