Make a mountain out of a molehill Informal

English idiom: Make a mountain out of a molehill

Last updated: 20.10.2026

Behavior & HabitsFeelings & Surprise

Equivalent idioms in other languages

  • 🇷🇺 Делать из мухи слона Разговорное

    Сильно преувеличивать незначительную неприятность, превращая мелочь в огромную проблему. Выражение обычно звучит как упрёк в чрезмерной реакции.

  • 🇪🇸 Hacer una montaña de un grano de arena Informal

    Exagerar la importancia de un problema pequeño hasta convertirlo en algo aparentemente enorme. La comparación critica la tendencia a dramatizar.

  • 🇫🇷 En faire toute une montagne Familier

    Donner à une difficulté mineure des proportions excessives, comme si elle constituait un obstacle énorme. L’expression critique une dramatisation inutile.

Meaning

To exaggerate a small problem until it seems much more serious than it really is. Usually criticizes an excessive reaction or needless drama.

Origin

A molehill is the small mound of soil pushed up by a mole; a mountain is vastly larger. The contrast provides a vivid image for disproportionate exaggeration. Similar images exist independently in other languages.

Examples

It was a minor typo; don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.

She’s making a mountain out of a molehill over a five-minute delay.

We can fix this tomorrow — there’s no need to make a mountain out of a molehill.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'Make a mountain out of a molehill' mean?

To exaggerate a small problem until it seems much more serious than it really is. Usually criticizes an excessive reaction or needless drama.

How do you say 'Make a mountain out of a molehill' in Russian?
Делать из мухи слона

How do you say 'Make a mountain out of a molehill' in Spanish?
Hacer una montaña de un grano de arena

How do you say 'Make a mountain out of a molehill' in French?
En faire toute une montagne

Related idioms