fazer uma tempestade num copo de água
To make a mountain out of a molehill
Literally: to make a storm in a glass of water
In 15 Seconds
- Used for people overreacting to very small, unimportant problems.
- Equivalent to 'making a mountain out of a molehill' in English.
- Combines the verb 'fazer' with the image of a tiny storm.
Meaning
This phrase is used when someone is overreacting to a tiny problem. It describes making a huge drama out of something that is actually very small and manageable.
Key Examples
3 of 6Reacting to a minor tech glitch
O site caiu por dois minutos e ele fez uma tempestade num copo de água.
The website was down for two minutes and he made a mountain out of a molehill.
Calming down a worried friend
Calma, você está fazendo uma tempestade num copo de água por causa de uma nota.
Calm down, you're making a mountain out of a molehill over one grade.
In a professional meeting about a small error
Não precisamos fazer uma tempestade num copo de água por esse erro de digitação.
We don't need to make a mountain out of a molehill over this typo.
Cultural Background
Very common in casual conversation to de-escalate tension. Used similarly, often in professional feedback. Understood in formal contexts. Used to advise patience.
Use it to calm down
It's a great way to tell someone they are overreacting without being aggressive.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for people overreacting to very small, unimportant problems.
- Equivalent to 'making a mountain out of a molehill' in English.
- Combines the verb 'fazer' with the image of a tiny storm.
What It Means
Imagine a tiny glass of water on your table. Now imagine a massive, lightning-filled hurricane happening inside it. That is exactly what this phrase captures. It describes someone who is panicking or complaining excessively about a minor issue. You use it when a friend is acting like the world is ending because they lost a pen. It is the perfect way to tell someone to calm down and gain some perspective.
How To Use It
You usually use the verb fazer (to make) with this expression. You can say someone 'is making' (está fazendo) or 'always makes' (sempre faz) a storm. It works just like a regular verb phrase in a sentence. You can use it to describe yourself if you realize you are overreacting. It is also a great way to gossip about a dramatic coworker. Just remember to conjugate fazer to match who you are talking about.
When To Use It
Use this when the reaction does not match the problem. It is perfect for everyday annoyances. Use it at a restaurant if a friend complains for ten minutes about a slightly cold fry. Use it at work when a colleague panics over a tiny typo in an email. It is also common in texting when someone sends ten 'OMG' messages about a minor inconvenience. It adds a bit of color and imagery to your frustration.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for actual tragedies or serious problems. If someone is grieving or facing a real crisis, this will sound incredibly rude. It is meant for trivial things, not life-altering events. Also, avoid using it with your boss if they are angry at you. Telling your boss they are 'making a storm in a glass of water' might get you fired. It is best kept for peers, friends, or family members.
Cultural Background
This expression is a classic in the Lusophone world. It likely comes from the Latin phrase 'excitare fluctus in simpulo,' which means 'to stir up waves in a ladle.' Romans used it, and it evolved into the 'glass of water' version we use today. It reflects the dramatic flair often found in Portuguese-speaking cultures. We love a good metaphor to describe someone's big personality or loud complaints. It is one of those idioms that every native speaker knows from childhood.
Common Variations
In Portugal, you might hear fazer uma tempestade num copo d'água with a slight contraction. Sometimes people just say é uma tempestade num copo d'água to describe the situation itself. You might also hear fazer um bicho de sete cabeças (to make a seven-headed beast). This is a similar idiom that means making something seem much more complicated than it is. Both are very common and interchangeable in most casual conversations.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral to informal. It is widely understood and safe for most social situations, but avoid using it upwards to superiors in a formal hierarchy unless you have a very close relationship.
Use it to calm down
It's a great way to tell someone they are overreacting without being aggressive.
Examples
6O site caiu por dois minutos e ele fez uma tempestade num copo de água.
The website was down for two minutes and he made a mountain out of a molehill.
Highlights an overreaction to a brief technical issue.
Calma, você está fazendo uma tempestade num copo de água por causa de uma nota.
Calm down, you're making a mountain out of a molehill over one grade.
Used to provide perspective on school performance.
Não precisamos fazer uma tempestade num copo de água por esse erro de digitação.
We don't need to make a mountain out of a molehill over this typo.
Softens the tension in a work environment.
Minha colega de quarto fez uma tempestade num copo de água porque esqueci a luz acesa.
My roommate made a huge deal out of me leaving the light on.
Perfect for venting about daily domestic dramas.
Ela perdeu o brinco e fez uma tempestade num copo de água, mas o brinco estava na bolsa!
She lost her earring and threw a fit, but it was in her purse!
Used to poke fun at a silly situation.
Acho que estou fazendo uma tempestade num copo de água, não é tão grave assim.
I think I'm overreacting, it's not that serious.
Shows self-awareness about one's own stress levels.
Test Yourself
Complete the idiom.
Você está fazendo uma tempestade num ______ de água.
The idiom specifically uses 'copo'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesVocê está fazendo uma tempestade num ______ de água.
The idiom specifically uses 'copo'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, but be careful with your tone. It's better to say 'Maybe we shouldn't make a storm in a glass of water' rather than 'You are making a storm...'
Related Phrases
Não é para tanto
synonymIt's not that big of a deal.
