Behavior & Approach - Overreaction

Explore English idioms regarding overreaction with examples like "split hairs" and "go too far".

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to make a situation appear much bigger or more serious than it actually is

Ex:

to [make] a mountain out of (a|) molehill [phrase]

to make a problem appear more serious or dangerous than it actually is

Ex:

to [make] a song and dance about [phrase]

to react in an excessive way toward a minor thing

Ex: She made a song and dance about her missing pen , causing everyone in the office to stop what they were doing . "

to [split] hairs [phrase]

to highlight insignificant details or small distinctions between two things

Ex: This may seem like splitting hairs but the distinction could be important

tempest in a (teapot|teakettle) [phrase]

an overly angry or worried reaction over something unimportant

Ex: The argument at the meeting turned into a tempest in a teapot over the choice of office paint colors .

to [err] on the side of {sth} [phrase]

to act in a way that shows or uses something more than what is enough just to avoid any possible risk or problem

Ex: In matters of public safety , it 's wise for authorities to err on the side of stricter regulations .

to feel annoyed, angry, or upset

Ex: She really got her panties in a bunch over the small mistake in the report .

much ado about nothing [phrase]

a great deal of attention that is given to matters of small importance

Ex: The argument between the neighbors was resolved quickly , showing that it was much ado about nothing .

to [go] too far [phrase]

to make an attempt to do something that is extreme or unacceptable

Ex: While asserting your rights is important , engaging in violence during a protest is going too far .

to [over-egg] the pudding [phrase]

to make something more complicated than it needs to be

Ex: While telling the joke , he had a tendency to over-egg the pudding , turning a simple story into a convoluted narrative .

to put more energy and force than is necessary into doing something

Ex: Hiring a lawyer for a minor traffic ticket is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut .

Behavior & Approach
Foresight & Prudence	Overreaction	Tact	Being Tactful
Improvisation & Compromise	Behaving Politely	Lack of Care or Consideration	Without Care or Thought
Reacting or Demanding	Conversational Responses	Showing Surprise	Paying or Getting Attention
Not Paying Attention	Offensive Behavior	Reaction & Response	Jealousy & Competition
Harsh & Strict Treatment