pattern

Behavior & Approach - Overreaction

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

Review

Flashcards

Quiz

Start learning
English idioms related to Behavior & Approach
to [blow] {sth} (far|way|up|all|) out of proportion

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

Ex: It was only a small mistake, but the manager blew it out of proportion. 
Close
Sign in
to [make] a mountain out of (a|) molehill

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

Ex: Don't make a mountain out of a molehill; it's just a typo. 
Close
Sign in
to [make] a song and dance about

to react in an excessive way toward a minor thing

Ex: Don't make a song and dance about it; I only asked you to move your bag. 
Close
Sign in
to [split] hairs

to highlight insignificant details or small distinctions between two things

Ex: You're splitting hairs; both options lead to the same result. 
Close
Sign in
tempest in a (teapot|teakettle)

an overly angry or worried reaction over something unimportant

Ex: The argument over the seating plan was a tempest in a teapot. 
Close
Sign in
to [err] on the side of {sth}

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

Ex: When dealing with allergies, it's better to err on the side of caution and avoid the ingredient. 
Close
Sign in
to [get] {one's} panties in a bunch

to feel annoyed, angry, or upset

Ex: Don't get your panties in a bunch; I only asked a simple question. 
Close
Sign in
much ado about nothing

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

Ex: The argument over the new logo was much ado about nothing. 
Close
Sign in
to [go] too far

to do or say more than is acceptable

Ex: Criticizing the plan was fair, but insulting the team went too far. 
Close
Sign in
to [over-egg] the pudding

to make something more complicated than it needs to be

Ex: The proposal is clear; don't over-egg the pudding with ten extra charts. 
Close
Sign in
to [use|take] a sledgehammer to crack a nut

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

Ex: Hiring a lawyer for a missing library book is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. 
Close
Sign in
LanGeek
Download LanGeek app