blown out of proportion

Quote

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Definition

1. Definition - Study the definition.

exaggerated, overstated, overemphasized; made out to be bigger than it is; described as a big deal – even though it wasn’t; made into a big deal for no reason

2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.

Something that has been blown out of proportion is something that shouldn’t have been a big deal, but was exaggerated so much that it became one. For example, the relationship between Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez has been totally blown out of proportion. They are just normal people, but the news has made everything they do in their lives into a big deal. There are reports every week that the two of them will break up, or that one cheated on the other. It’s ridiculous.
You can use blown out of proportion to describe something in your life that has been exaggerated. For example, if you don’t do your homework for one class, your mom might get really mad at you. But if your grades are good, then you can ask her not to blow the whole thing out of proportion – and not to worry so much about one homework assignment.

Examples

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””My dad always blows things out of proportion. Yesterday I forgot to take the trash out and he started yelling at me and saying that I never do anything. He said I was totally worthless. He can be a real jerk sometimes.”“

””I don’t want this to get blown out of proportion, so don’t tell anyone else, but I’m pregnant! I’m going to have a baby. I’ve been pregnant for 6 weeks.”“

””The whole thing with Arnold Swarzenegger is getting totally blown out of proportion. I don’t think he should be the Governor of California just because he’s a famous movie star.”“

””Mom, don’t blow this out of proportion. I almost always do what you ask me to do. I’m sorry that I forgot to wash the dishes last night. I’ll do it right now.”“