“Do not make a mountain out of a mole hill”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase means not to exaggerate a minor problem or turn something small into a bigger issue than it really is.
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Where it comes from
The phrase is English in origin and has been used since at least the 16th century. It metaphorically compares the small size of a molehill (a small mound of earth created by moles) to the large size of a mountain, suggesting an exaggerated response.
Examples
- She complained about the late delivery, but I told her not to make a mountain out of a molehill.
- I know you’re upset about the typo in the report, but let’s not make a mountain out of a molehill.
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