molehill: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, idiomatic
Quick answer
What does “molehill” mean?
A small mound of earth thrown up by a mole burrowing underground.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small mound of earth thrown up by a mole burrowing underground.
Used primarily in the idiom "make a mountain out of a molehill," meaning to greatly exaggerate the importance or seriousness of a minor problem.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word and its idiomatic usage are identical in meaning and use across both varieties.
Connotations
Same connotations of triviality and exaggeration.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, primarily appearing in the fixed idiom.
Grammar
How to Use “molehill” in a Sentence
[Subject] is making a mountain out of a molehill.Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to advise against overreacting to a small setback: 'The client's minor complaint isn't a crisis; let's not make a mountain out of a molehill.'
Academic
Rare. May appear in literature or social sciences discussing proverbs, rhetoric of exaggeration, or metaphor analysis.
Everyday
Common in the idiom to chide someone for overreacting: 'You've spilled a bit of milk; there's no need to make a mountain out of a molehill.'
Technical
Used literally in zoology, ecology, or gardening contexts to describe soil disturbance by Talpidae.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “molehill”
- Incorrect article in idiom: 'make mountain out of molehill' (missing articles).
- Misspelling as 'mole hill' (two words). The standard is one word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare outside of the idiom 'make a mountain out of a molehill' or in specific technical contexts like gardening or zoology.
The standard spelling is as one word: 'molehill'.
It is generally considered informal or colloquial. In very formal writing, alternatives like 'exaggerate the problem' or 'overstate the issue' might be preferred.
No, 'make a mountain out of a molehill' is the dominant and essentially only idiom featuring this word.
A small mound of earth thrown up by a mole burrowing underground.
Molehill: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊlhɪl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊlhɪl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a mountain out of a molehill”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MOLE making a tiny HILL. Then imagine someone staring at it through a giant magnifying glass, screaming 'MOUNTAIN!' It's a silly overreaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRIVIAL PROBLEM IS A SMALL MOUND OF EARTH / EXAGGERATION IS MAGNIFYING SIZE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary modern use of the word 'molehill'?