Meaning & Definition of word "Molehill"

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    Molehill

    /ˈmoʊlhɪl/

    noun:

    • 1. A small mound of earth thrown up by a mole digging a burrow.
      • Example: The garden was dotted with molehills, evidence of the busy creatures underneath.
    • 2. A trivial or insignificant issue.
      • Example: He made a mountain out of a molehill during the argument over the miscommunication.
    • 3. An exaggerated problem or situation that is being treated as a much bigger issue than it actually is.
      • Example: Don't make a molehill out of a molehill; it's just a small mistake that can be fixed easily.

    Etymology

    Middle English molehill, from mole + hill

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    making a mountain out of a molehill:

    To exaggerate a minor issue beyond its actual importance.

    Related Words

    mole:

    A small burrowing mammal known for digging tunnels.

    hill:

    A naturally raised area of land.

    Slang Meanings of molehill

    Meaning: A trivial issue that is being blown out of proportion.

    Example Sentence: Don't worry about it; it's just a molehill.

    Meaning: Referring to a small problem that someone is making too much noise about.

    Example Sentence: She turned a simple mistake into a molehill.