What does molehill mean?
A molehill is a small mound of earth left by a mole as it tunnels beneath the ground. In literal use, the word is especially associated with gardens, lawns, and fields where burrowing animals create uneven patches of disturbed soil. Figuratively, a molehill is a small, unimportant problem that someone exaggerates or treats as a serious obstacle. The expression “make a mountain out of a molehill” describes turning a minor difficulty into something that seems far larger than it is. The word is useful because it is immediately visual and familiar: it evokes a small obstruction that can become disproportionately troublesome when attention and effort are concentrated on it. It is understood in both British and American English, although the figurative expression is particularly characteristic of British usage.
A small mound of earth raised by a mole or other burrowing animal.
"He filled in the molehills at the edge of the vegetable garden."
Often used in gardening, farming, and landscape descriptions.
A minor problem, difficulty, or inconvenience, especially one that is exaggerated or treated as disproportionately important.
"The delay was only a molehill compared with the difficulties they had expected."
This figurative sense is especially common in British English and frequently occurs in the idiom “make a mountain out of a molehill.”
The plural is used for multiple small mounds or, figuratively, for multiple minor problems.
"The children turned the molehills into tiny paths for their toy cars."
A small problem can become a “mountain” when we make a mountain out of a molehill.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does molehill come from?
Molehill is a compound formed in English from “mole,” the burrowing mammal, and “hill.” Both elements are of Germanic origin: “mole” comes through Old English, while “hill” continues Old English “hyll.” The compound has long been used literally for the small mounds of earth produced by burrowing animals, and its figurative use developed from the idea of an insignificant obstacle.
How molehill is actually used
The literal sense is common in gardening and agricultural contexts. The figurative sense is mainly British, though it is also understood in American English; it often appears in the expression “make a mountain out of a molehill.”