Making a mountain out of a mole hill

This well known phrase which describes the act of blowing something out of all proportion, can be dated back to the 1500's by the word used for a 'molehill'. 

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Before this time moles were referred to as 'wands' which became 'wants' over time. A mole hill was a 'wantitump'. 

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Gradually 'moldwarp' came into use (literally meaning earth thrower) which was shortened to 'molle'.  It wasn't until the early 1500's that the term 'molehill' was in common use.

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"Making a mountain out of a wantitump" doesn't have quite the same ring to it!