mountain

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmaʊntɪn/

noun

  • 1a large natural elevation of the earth’s surface rising abruptly from the surrounding level; a large steep hill: we set off down the mountain they sought refuge in the mountains [as modifier]: a mountain peak
  • 2 (a mountain/mountains of) a large pile or quantity of something: a mountain of paperwork
  • [usually with modifier] a large surplus stock of a commodity: a butter mountain

Phrases

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

proverb if someone won’t do as you wish or a situation can’t be arranged to suit you, you must accept it and change your plans accordingly.
[with allusion to a well-known story about Muhammad told by Bacon (Essays xii)]

make a mountain out of a molehill

see molehill.

move mountains

  • 1achieve spectacular and apparently impossible results: faith can move mountains
  • 2make every possible effort: his fans move mountains to catch as many of his performances as possible

Derivatives

mountainy

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French montaigne, based on Latin mons, mont- 'mountain'