Pronunciation: [mˌe͡ɪk mˈa͡ʊntɪn mˈə͡ʊlhɪl] (IPA) 
The phrase "make mountain molehill" is spelled phonetically as /meɪk ˈmaʊntən ˈməʊlhɪl/. The word "mountain" is pronounced with an /aʊ/ diphthong, while "molehill" is pronounced with a short /o/ sound followed by a silent "e" at the end. The phrase means to exaggerate or make a big deal out of a small situation. It is important to spell the phrase correctly in order to convey its meaning accurately.
"Make a mountain out of a molehill" is an idiomatic expression that means to exaggerate or blow out of proportion a small, insignificant issue or problem. The phrase is used to describe someone who unnecessarily turns a minor difficulty into a major crisis.
The phrase originates from the image of turning a tiny molehill, which is essentially a small heap of earth created by a burrowing mole, into a towering mountain symbolizing an immense obstacle. It illustrates how some individuals tend to magnify trivial matters or emphasize unimportant details to the extent that they appear overwhelming or insurmountable.
When someone makes a mountain out of a molehill, they tend to focus excessive attention and concern on relatively insignificant matters, unnecessarily increasing their gravity. This behavior can lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, and conflict, as intensifying minor issues can cause unnecessary disruption or misunderstanding within interpersonal relationships or other spheres of life such as work or social settings.
The expression is commonly used to highlight the importance of maintaining perspective and prioritizing problems in a rational and balanced manner. It encourages individuals to discern between minor inconveniences and genuine challenges, emphasizing the need to address substantial issues rather than becoming entangled in trivial matters. It serves as a reminder to consider the relative significance of problems and to react with proportionate concern and response, rather than inflating them into more significant obstacles than they actually are.
