Meaning & Definition of word "Molehill"

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.