mountain

have a mountain to climb

To have an extremely difficult, seemingly impossible task at hand. After losing Ohio to his opponent, the president now has a mountain to climb if he wants to hold on to his job.See also: climb, have, mountain

have snow on the mountain

To have silver, grey, or white hair on one's head, as due to aging. Sure, I may have a bit of snow on the mountain, but I still lead as adventurous a life as I ever have!See also: have, mountain, on, snow

snow on the mountain

Silver, grey, or white hair on one's head, as due to aging. Sure, there's a bit of snow on the mountain, but I still lead as adventurous a life as I ever have!See also: mountain, on, snow

mountain oysters

A food made from animal testicles, often those of a sheep or calf. A: "Let's get some mountain oysters!" B: "Are you sure? Did you read the description on the menu?"See also: mountain, oyster

mountain to climb

A very difficult task or challenge. You certainly have a mountain to climb if you intend to get this project done by Thursday.See also: climb, mountain

move mountains

To do or achieve something that is incredibly difficult. I firmly believe that our faith in God can move mountains. I would move mountains to be with you.See also: mountain, move

if the mountain will not come to Mohammed

One must change one's actions accordingly if things do not proceed as one would like them to. A shortening of the phrase "If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain." You'll have to go woo investors if they won't come to you. If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain.See also: come, if, Mohammed, mountain, not, will

make a mountain out of a molehill

To exaggerate or put too much focus on a minor issue and make it seem like a major one. You got one B and you're acting like you're failing the class. You're making a mountain out of a molehill, if you ask me. This is a minor setback. Let's not make a mountain out of a molehill.See also: make, molehill, mountain, of, out

make a mountain of a molehill

To exaggerate or put too much focus on a minor issue and make it seem like a major one. You got one B and you're acting like you're failing the class. You're making a mountain of a molehill, if you ask me. This is a minor setback. Let's not make a mountain of a molehill.See also: make, molehill, mountain, of

mountain dew

1. obsolete slang Scotch whiskey. My grandfather had me and my sister totally perplexed when he asked us to get him a glass of mountain dew with a splash of water in it.2. obsolete slang Any home-distilled liquor; moonshine. My great-uncle was apparently notorious for supplying the whole region with mountain dew back during prohibition.See also: dew, mountain

Faith will move mountains.

Strong belief or trust in someone, something, or oneself will allow one to do or achieve incredibly difficult things. Just believe in yourself. Faith will move mountains, you know.See also: faith, move, will

Faith will move mountains.

Prov. If you believe in what you are doing, you can overcome any obstacle. (Sometimes refers to faith in God.) Jane's faith in her cause could move mountains. You may feel disheartened sometimes, but remember that faith will move mountains.See also: faith, mountain, move, will

If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain.

Prov. If things do not change the way you want them to, you must adjust to the way they are. (Mohammed is often used instead of Mahomet. Also the mountain has come to Mahomet, something or someone that you would not expect to travel has arrived. There are many variations of this proverb. See the examples.) The president won't see me so I will have to go to his office. If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain. If Caroline can't leave the hospital on her birthday, we'll have to take her birthday party to the hospital. If the mountain won't come to Mahomet, Mahomet will have to go to the mountain. It's true I don't usually leave my home, but if you can't come to see me, I'll have to come see you. The mountain will come to Mohammed.See also: come, go, if, Mahomet, mountain, must, not, will

make a mountain out of a molehill

Cliché to make a major issue out of a minor one; to exaggerate the importance of something. Come on, don't make a mountain out of a molehill. It's not that important. Mary is always making mountains out of molehills.See also: make, molehill, mountain, of, out

if the mountain won't come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain

If one can't have one's way, one must give in. For example, Since you can't come here for the holiday, I'll go to your house-if the mountain won't come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain . This expression is based on a tale that Muhammad once sought proof of his teachings by ordering a mountain to come to him. When it did not move, he maintained that God had been merciful, for if it had indeed moved they all would have been crushed by it. [Late 1500s] See also: come, go, if, mounta, mountain, Muhammad, must

make a mountain out of a molehill

Exaggerate trifling difficulties, as in If you forgot you racket you can borrow one-don't make a mountain out of a molehill. This expression, alluding to the barely raised tunnels created by moles, was first recorded in John Fox's The Book of Martyrs (1570). See also: make, molehill, mountain, of, out

if Mohammed will not go to the mountain

the mountain must go to Mohammed

People use expressions such as if Mohammed will not go to the mountain or the mountain must go to Mohammed to say that if someone that you want to see does not come to you, you have to go to them. People, for whatever reason, are reluctant to leave their houses to vote, so if Mohammed won't go to the mountain, we have to go to them. Fifteen minutes later, Chotas walked into the office of the Prosecuting Attorney. `Well,' Demonides said. `Mohammed comes to the mountain. What can I do for you?' Note: The full expression is `if Mohammed will not go to the mountain, the mountain must go to Mohammed'. Note: These expressions are based on a story about the prophet Mohammed, who was asked to show his power by making Mount Safa come to him. See also: go, if, Mohammed, mountain, not, will

make a mountain out of a molehill

If someone makes a mountain out of a molehill, they talk or complain about a small, unimportant problem as if it is important and serious. The company's CEO has blamed the media for making a mountain out of a molehill. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill — it's really not a big deal.See also: make, molehill, mountain, of, out

a mountain to climb

mainly BRITISHIf someone has a mountain to climb, they have to do a task which will be very difficult and will involve a lot of hard work. The negotiators have a mountain to climb if they want to bring lasting peace to this region. He still has a mountain to climb in persuading the public that war is justified.See also: climb, mountain

move mountains

If you move mountains you succeed in doing something that is very difficult and requires a lot of hard work. If you get a good team round you, you can move mountains. We should all repeat five times a day, `It is possible to change!' With this belief, you can move mountains. Note: People sometimes say that faith or love can move mountains, meaning that faith and love can be very powerful forces. Here's proof, if it were needed, that faith can move mountains. Note: This is from the proverb `Faith will move mountains', which is based on the words of Jesus to his followers in the Bible: `If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove'. (Matthew 17:20) See also: mountain, move

have a mountain to climb

be facing a very difficult task.See also: climb, have, mountain

make a mountain out of a molehill

foolishly or pointlessly exaggerate the importance of something trivial. The contrast between the size of molehills and that of mountains has been made in this and related expressions since the late 16th century.See also: make, molehill, mountain, of, out

move mountains

1 achieve spectacular and apparently impossible results. 2 make every possible effort. In sense 1, the phrase alludes to 1 Corinthians 13:2: ‘And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing’.See also: mountain, move

make a ˌmountain out of a ˈmolehill

(disapproving) make a small or unimportant problem seem much more serious than it really is: It’s not such a big problem! You’re making a mountain out of a molehill!See also: make, molehill, mountain, of, out

make a mountain

and pitch a tent n. to have a morning erection that raises the covers; to have an erection that makes a bulge in one’s clothing; to get an erection. Bobby makes a mountain almost every morning. When I was in the hospital, I was afraid I would pitch a tent in the morning. See also: make, mountain

(mountain) dew

1. n. Scotch whiskey. The real mountain dew is smoky-tasting and amber. 2. n. illicit liquor; any liquor. Mountain dew is what I want. As long as it’s not store bought. See also: dew, mountain

make a mountain out of a molehill

To exaggerate a minor problem.See also: make, molehill, mountain, of, out

if the mountain will not come to Mohammed...

When you can’t get your own way, bow to the inevitable. The complete expression is, “If the mountain will not come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the mountain.” This expression, with the spelling Mahomet (a slightly different transliteration from Arabic), is based on the story that Mohammed once asked for miraculous proof of his teachings and ordered Mount Safa to come to him. When the mountain did not move, he said, “God is merciful. Had it obeyed my words it would have fallen on us to our destruction.” Sir Francis Bacon retold the story, saying, “If the Hil will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet will go to the Hil” (in Of Boldnesse, 1597). It was repeated in John Ray’s English Proverbs (1678) and numerous sources thereafter, including Shaw’s play, The Doctor’s Dilemma (1906).See also: come, if, mountain, not, will

make a mountain out of a molehill, to

To exaggerate trifling problems. This English equivalent of the French faire d’une mouche un éléphant (make an elephant out of a fly) first appeared in 1570, in John Fox’s The Book of Martyrs. The legendary humorist Fred Allen played on it: “A vice-president in an advertising agency is a ‘molehill man’ who has until 5 p.m. to make a molehill into a mountain. An accomplished molehill man will often have his mountain finished before lunch” (Treadmill to Oblivion, 1954).See also: make, mountain, of, out

mountain

mountain,

high land mass projecting conspicuously above its surroundings and usually of limited width at its summit. Although isolated mountains are not unusual, mountains commonly form ranges, comprising either a single complex ridge or a series of related ridges. A group of ranges closely related in form, origin, and alignment is a mountain system; an elongated group of systems is a chain; and a complex of ranges, systems, and chains continental in extent is called a cordillera, zone, or belt.

Global Distribution and Impact on Humanity

Most of the great mountain systems now in existence were developed fairly late in geologic history. The greatest mountain masses are in North and South America, including the Andes, Rockies, Sierra Nevada, and Coast Ranges of the United States, Canada, and Alaska; and the Eurasian mountain belt, in which lie the Pyrenees, Atlas, Alps, Balkans, Caucasus, Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and other ranges. Among notable single peaks are Everest, K2 (Godwin-Austen), and Kanchenjunga in Asia; Aconcagua, Chimborazo, and Cotopaxi in South America; McKinley, Logan, and Popocatepetl in North America; Mont Blanc and Elbrus in Europe; Kilimanjaro, Kenya, and Ruwenzori in Africa.

Mountains have important effects upon the climate, population, economy, and state of civilization of the regions in which they occur. By intercepting prevailing winds they cause precipitation; regions on the windward side of a great range thus have plentiful rainfall, while those on its lee side are arid. Mountains are in general thinly populated, not only because the cold climate and rarefied atmosphere of high regions are unfavorable to human life, but also because the higher reaches of mountains are unfit for agriculture. Mountains frequently contain valuable mineral ores, deposited out of solution by water or by gases. Mountains act as natural barriers between countries and peoples; they determine the routes followed by traders, migrants, and invading armies. The difficulties of travel and communication in mountain regions tend to favor political disunity.

The Origins of Mountains

Mountains and mountain ranges have varied origins. Some are the erosional remnants of plateausplateau,
elevated, level or nearly level portion of the earth's surface, larger in summit area than a mountain and bounded on at least one side by steep slopes, occurring on land or in oceans.
..... Click the link for more information. ; others are cones built up by volcanoesvolcano,
vents or fissures in the earth's crust through which gases, molten rock, or lava, and solid fragments are discharged. Their study is called volcanology. The term volcano
..... Click the link for more information. , such as Mt. Rainier in Washington, or domes pushed up by intrusive igneous rock (see rockrock,
aggregation of solid matter composed of one or more of the minerals forming the earth's crust. The scientific study of rocks is called petrology. Rocks are commonly divided, according to their origin, into three major classes—igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic.
..... Click the link for more information. ), such as the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Henry Mts., Utah. Fault-block mountains (see faultfault,
in geology, fracture in the earth's crust in which the rock on one side of the fracture has measurable movement in relation to the rock on the other side. Faults on other planets and satellites of the solar system also have been recognized.
..... Click the link for more information. ) are formed by the raising of huge blocks of the earth's surface relative to the neighboring blocks. The Basin and Range region of Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah is one of the most extensive regions of fault-block mountains.

All the great mountain chains of the earth are either foldfold,
in geology, bent or deformed arrangement of stratified rocks. These rocks may be of sedimentary or volcanic origin. Although stratified rocks are normally deposited on the earth's surface in horizontal layers (see stratification), they are often found inclined or curved
..... Click the link for more information. mountains or complex structures in whose formation folding, faulting, or igneous activity have taken part. The growth of folded or complex mountain ranges is preceded by the accumulation of vast thicknesses of marine sediments. It was first suggested in the late 1800s that these sediments accumulated in elongated troughs, or geosynclines, that were occupied by arms of the sea. While some of the sediment was derived from the interior of the continent, great quantities of sediment were apparently derived from regions now offshore from the continent. For examples, sedimentary rocks of the Appalachian Mts. formed in a vast geosyncline that extended from the Gulf states northeastward through the eastern states and New England, and into E Canada. It is now recognized that great thicknesses of sediment can occur wherever there is subsidencesubsidence,
lowering of a portion of the earth's crust. The subsidence of land areas over time has resulted in submergence by shallow seas (see oceans). Land subsidence can occur naturally or through human activity.
..... Click the link for more information. (lowering of the earth's crust).

The best modern analogues of geosynclines appear to be the thick deposits of sediment making up the continental shelves and continental rises (see oceanocean,
interconnected mass of saltwater covering 70.78% of the surface of the earth, often called the world ocean. It is subdivided into four (or five) major units that are separated from each other in most cases by the continental masses. See also oceanography.
..... Click the link for more information. ). Most geologists now believe that the geosynclinal sediments found in mountain ranges were initially deposited under similar conditions. The period of sedimentation is followed by folding and thrust faulting, with most high mountain ranges uplifted vertically subsequent to folding. The movements of the earth's surface that result in the building of mountains are compression, which produces folding, thrust faulting, and possibly some normal faulting; tension, which produces most normal faulting; and vertical uplift. Mountains are subject to continuous erosion during and after uplift. Sharp peaks are formed and are subsequently attacked and leveled. Mountains may be entirely base-leveled, or they may be rejuvenated by new uplifts.

The ultimate cause of mountain-building forces has been a source of controversy, and many hypotheses have been suggested. An old hypothesis held that earth movements were adjustments of the crust of the earth to a shrinking interior that contracted and set up stresses due either to heat loss or gravitational compaction. Another hypothesis suggested that earth movements were primarily isostatic, i.e., adjustments that kept the weights of sections of the crust nearly equal (see continentcontinent,
largest unit of landmasses on the earth. The continents include Eurasia (conventionally regarded as two continents, Europe and Asia), Africa, North America, South America, Australia, and Antarctica.
..... Click the link for more information. ). A third hypothesis, popular from the early 1960s to today, ascribed mountain-building stresses to convection currents in a hot semiplastic region in the earth's mantle.

According to the plate tectonicsplate tectonics,
theory that unifies many of the features and characteristics of continental drift and seafloor spreading into a coherent model and has revolutionized geologists' understanding of continents, ocean basins, mountains, and earth history.
..... Click the link for more information. theory, the lithospherelithosphere
, brittle uppermost shell of the earth, broken into a number of tectonic plates. The lithosphere consists of the heavy oceanic and lighter continental crusts, and the uppermost portion of the mantle.
..... Click the link for more information. is broken into several plates, each consisting of oceanic crust, continental crust, or a combination of both. These plates are in constant motion, sideswiping one another or colliding, and continually changing in size and shape. Where two plates collide, compressional stresses are generated along the margin of the plate containing a continent. Such stresses result in the deformation and uplift of the continental shelf and continental rise sediments into complex folded and faulted mountain chains (see seafloor spreadingseafloor spreading,
theory of lithospheric evolution that holds that the ocean floors are spreading outward from vast underwater ridges. First proposed in the early 1960s by the American geologist Harry H.
..... Click the link for more information. ; continental driftcontinental drift,
geological theory that the relative positions of the continents on the earth's surface have changed considerably through geologic time. Though first proposed by American geologist Frank Bursley Taylor in a lecture in 1908, the first detailed theory of
..... Click the link for more information. ).

Bibliography

See W. M. Bueler, Mountains of the World (1970); K. Hsu, Mountain Building Processes (1986); A. J. Gerrard, Mountain Environments (1990).

What does it mean when you dream about a mountain?

Climbing the mountain and reaching the top denotes achieving one’s goals. Descending the mountain is returning after a success or letting go of insurmountable issues. Looking at the mountain may denote evaluating a major decision.

mountain

[′mau̇nt·ən] (geography) A feature of the earth's surface that rises high above the base and has generally steep slopes and a relatively small summit area.

mountain

1. a natural upward projection of the earth's surface, higher and steeper than a hill and often having a rocky summit 2. a surplus of a commodity, esp in the European Union

Mountain

(dreams)Climbing a real mountain is not always fun but it usually challenging and rewarding. Some say that the mountain may represent spirituality while others suggest mental development and self-awareness. The most literal interpretation of climbing a mountain is that it represents attainment of goals. If you are ascending a mountain you may be working hard and trying to accomplish your goals, whether they are spiritual, emotional, or material. Hearing music in your dreams has positive connotations. Music is healing to the soul, and as you are listening to it in your dream, you may be connected to the wonderful, creative spirit or flow of life suggesting a degree of inner harmony and emotional expression.

mountain

moun·tain

mountain

Mountain

moun•tain

moun·tain

mountain

mountain

Mountains

mountain

mountain

mountain

mountain

have a mountain to climb

have snow on the mountain

snow on the mountain

mountain oysters

mountain to climb

move mountains

if the mountain will not come to Mohammed

make a mountain out of a molehill

make a mountain of a molehill

mountain dew

Faith will move mountains.

Faith will move mountains.

If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain.

make a mountain out of a molehill

if the mountain won't come to Muhammad, Muhammad must go to the mountain

make a mountain out of a molehill

if Mohammed will not go to the mountain

the mountain must go to Mohammed

make a mountain out of a molehill

a mountain to climb

move mountains

have a mountain to climb

make a mountain out of a molehill

move mountains

make a ˌmountain out of a ˈmolehill

make a mountain

(mountain) dew

make a mountain out of a molehill

if the mountain will not come to Mohammed...

make a mountain out of a molehill, to

mountain

mountain,

Global Distribution and Impact on Humanity

The Origins of Mountains

Bibliography

What does it mean when you dream about a mountain?

mountain

mountain

Mountain

mountain

Synonyms for mountain

noun peak

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noun heap

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noun surplus

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phrase move mountains: perform miracles

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phrase move mountains: make every effort

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Synonyms for mountain

noun a group of things gathered haphazardly

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noun a great deal

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Synonyms for mountain

noun a land mass that projects well above its surroundings

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Related Words

noun (often followed by 'of') a large number or amount or extent

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