Molehill Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐พ
molehill
[หmoสl.hษชl ]
Definition
small hill
A molehill is a small mound or heap of earth that is created by a mole as it burrows underground. It is typically found in gardens or grassy areas and can be an indication of mole activity in the vicinity.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The yard was dotted with molehills after the excavation activity.
- He tripped over a molehill while gardening.
- The children delighted in jumping on the molehills.
- Molehills can be a nuisance for gardeners.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Cultural References
- The phrase 'making a mountain out of a molehill' is a common idiom meaning to exaggerate a minor problem.
- Molehills often appear in childrenโs stories and cartoons, depicting the playful adventures of moles.
- In agriculture, molehills can indicate fertile soil, as the animal aerates and mixes it.
Ecology
- Molehills contribute to soil health by breaking up the earth and promoting better drainage.
- The increased aeration from mole tunneling benefits plant roots and allows for easier access to nutrients.
- Moles play a role in controlling pest populations, as they feed on insects and larvae found in the soil.
Literature
- Moles are featured in classic literature, such as 'The Wind in the Willows', showcasing their charming underground world.
- Children's books often anthropomorphize moles, giving them wise or comical characteristics.
- Molehills can symbolize minor troubles in literary works, with characters either confronting or ignoring them.
Science
- Moles are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active at night when they build their molehills.
- A mole can create a network of tunnels that can span over 2,000 feet in a single night.
- The average molehill can be about 6 inches high and a foot wide, often mistaken for volcano-like structures in yards.
Origin of 'molehill'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'molehill' combines 'mole', referring to the burrowing animal, and 'hill', meaning a raised area of land.
- The term has been in use since at least the 14th century in Middle English.
- In various languages, the word also describes small mounds, often linking to the same animal.
The word 'molehill' originates from the Old English 'mวฃl', which means to dig or burrow, combined with 'hill', which is from the Old English 'hyll'. The term signifies a small hill created by the action of moles, which are known for their tunneling habits in soil. In literature and colloquial expressions, the term has also taken on a figurative meaning, suggesting someone who exaggerates minor problems into significant issues, akin to the saying 'making a mountain out of a molehill'. This idiom reflects how small matters can seem overwhelmingly large based on one's perspective, showcasing the duality of the word's physical and metaphorical implications.