Pronunciation: [mo(n) tay a(n) nay peh(n)gl]
Meaning: To blow something out of proportion, make a big to-do about, emphasize
Literal translation: To mount something on a pin
Register: informal
Notes: Something that fits on the head of a pin is obviously very small, so the logic of this French expression originally escaped me. If whatever you monte en épingle is being made small enough to fit on a pin, that seems like you'd have to be minimizing it - the opposite of emphasizing it or making a big deal out of it. Or maybe it's that you'd have to use a microscope to see it, which would be making it seem much bigger than it actually is.
Visitors to this site have posted some very interesting comments and theories on the blog - I've summarized some of the points here:
- Putting something on the head of a pin would make it appear relatively enormous
- Collectors put things like butterflies or bugs on display by pinning them to a board
- You might pin something up on a noticeboard to draw attention to it
- Perhaps it means you're micromanaging something, or becoming fixated on a very small part of it, rather than on the larger and more important truth
- Putting something big on a pin is very difficult, so don't do it - just take it easy and stop exaggerating
- Possible relationship to the question of how many angels can dance on the head of a pin
Ce contretemps n'est pas la fin du monde - ne le monte pas en épingle !
This setback is not the end of the world - don't make a big deal of it / don't blow it out of proportion!
Post your comments about the French expression monter en épingle on my French blog.
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