“Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill” is the proverb that tells us to keep small troubles small. Here is what it means, where it comes from, how to use it, and a few sayings that share its sense of proportion.
What Does “Don’t Make a Mountain Out of a Molehill” Mean?
The proverb means don’t exaggerate a small problem into a big one, or treat a minor difficulty as if it were a major crisis. A molehill is a tiny heap of earth; a mountain is vast — so to make one into the other is to blow something trivial wildly out of proportion. It is gentle advice to stay calm, keep a sense of perspective, and not let small annoyances grow into needless drama.
Origin of the Proverb
The English phrase dates from the sixteenth century. The translator Nicholas Udall used “to make a mountain of a molehill” in 1548, and it quickly became a standard expression. The idea is older still: the ancient Greeks and Romans had their own version — “to make an elephant out of a fly” — and the new English image of the humble molehill simply gave the same wisdom a homegrown shape.
Examples in a Sentence
- “It’s just a small scratch on the car — don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.”
- “She turned a minor disagreement into a feud; talk about making a mountain out of a molehill.”
- “Relax, it’s one bad review — don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.”
Similar Proverbs
- Don’t make an elephant out of a fly — the older European form of the same idea.
- A storm in a teacup — a great fuss over a trivial matter.
- Much ado about nothing — a lot of excitement over something unimportant.
- Don’t sweat the small stuff — don’t let little things upset you.
For more sayings about perspective and calm, see our smart thoughts and the full library of proverbs and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “don’t make a mountain out of a molehill” mean?
It means don’t exaggerate a small problem into a big one, or treat a minor difficulty as if it were a major crisis.
Where does the proverb come from?
The English phrase was used by Nicholas Udall in 1548; it echoes the older European saying “to make an elephant out of a fly.”
What is a similar proverb?
“A storm in a teacup” and “much ado about nothing” both describe making a great fuss over something trivial.