They say there are two types of people: those who love coffee and those who prefer tea. Well, that second group can celebrate with a proper cuppa today, as it’s National Tea Day!
Tea first came to Great Britain at the beginning of 17th century. The word itself comes from Chinese. Tea started to become quite popular in the 18th century, when it became a true star and status symbol of British société.
It played a role on the American revolution, when settlers symbolically cast off their British overlords by dumping loads of tea over the side of a ship into Boston Harbor in what became known as the Boston Tea Party.
Nowadays, in many parts of the UK, the word ‘tea’, confusingly, means dinner, or your evening meal. “What would you like for tea? Maybe some chicken… and some nice tea? For our tea?” Tea also just means tea, of course — like many things, it depends on context.
Even if you’re not a devoted tea lover, we are sure you will find your pleasure in sitting with a cup of Earl Grey and checking out some of these tea-related idioms!
1. Not my cup of tea
Meaning: Usually some activity or something that one doesn’t necessarily enjoy. The phrase comes from the beginning of 19th century and was firstly used to describe something you like – it is my cup of tea. In 20th century the part ‘’not” was added to emphasize something one does not like.
Example: I appreciate your invitation, but hiking is just not my cup of tea. Have a great time though!
2. A storm in a teacup
Meaning: A small problem that is exaggerated, where the size of the problem doesn’t match the reaction. The American English equivalent is ‘’A tempest in a teapot”. Both phrases seem to come from Scotland and were used for the first time in the beginning of 1800s.
Example: It was just one glass of wine. Stop making a storm in a teacup over this!
3. Not for all the tea in China
Meaning: This expression is used to emphasize that even for the greatest reward possible, you still wouldn’t do something. All the tea in China refers here to something very valuable, priceless. This phrase also comes from the beginning of 1800s and was first used in Australia.
Example: You must be nuts! I wouldn’t do that for all the tea in China!
4. To be no tea party
Meaning: To be difficult to handle, rude, impolite. There is no agreement on where this idiom comes from, but it certainly refers to the idea that a tea party is generally thought to be a pleasant and stress-free event. For something to be no tea party is simply the opposite.
Example: I am so tired. Taking care of your baby is no tea party.
5. Tea and sympathy
Meaning: Kindly comforting someone who is sad or upset. This phrase comes from the play ‘’Tea and sympathy” written by Robert Anderson in 1953.
Example: I honestly appreciate you gave me tea and sympathy when I was feeling down. It helped me go through the tough times.
It’s also sometimes used to express a need for more practical help: We need real solutions to this problem, not just tea and sympathy.
6. As useful as a chocolate teapot
Meaning: Something that is not practical. A chocolate teapot, of course, would melt, so it wouldn’t make any sense. The etymology of the phrase is not known, but one of the first examples comes from The Guardian in the late 1970s.
Example: When the weather is dark and cloudy, sunglasses are about as useful as a chocolate teapot.
7. Go for your tea
Meaning: It is an interesting euphemism for to be murdered. The etymology is unclear – all we know is that the phrase was quite popular within Irish Republican Army (IRA).
Example: That guy will be going for his tea if he doesn’t pay me back my money.
Now - have some tea and enjoy! ☕️