a storm in a teacup
Say it: a STORM in a TEE-kup /ə ˌstɔːm ɪn ə ˈtiːkʌp/ · idiom
What “a storm in a teacup” means
A lot of fuss about something unimportant.
More precisely: A lot of fuss or anger about something unimportant.
Example: “The row over the office thermostat was a storm in a teacup.”
When to use it
In British everyday conversation, to dismiss an argument or upset as much bigger than the issue deserves.
Similar words
much ado about nothing, fuss over nothing
Quick check
Two housemates argue for an hour about which shelf should hold a single teaspoon. How might you describe the row?
a mountain out of a molehill or a storm in a teacup?
Show the answer
a storm in a teacup
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