English idiom

a storm in a teacup

Register · Neutral CEFR C1

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Figurative meaning

A great deal of fuss made about a trivial matter.

Why this phrase?

Pictures a violent storm absurdly confined to a tiny teacup.

Example

“The argument was just a storm in a teacup and soon blew over.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

at the end of the day

ultimately; when everything is considered

can of worms

a complicated problem that causes trouble the moment it is touched

get out of hand

To become impossible to control.

on the other hand

used to introduce a contrasting point of view or alternative

overall picture

the complete view of a situation, including all the main parts

pros and cons

the advantages and disadvantages of something

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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