Idiom Breakdown

tempest in a teapot

Tea

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Definition

A major fuss over a trivial matter.

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Origins

Attested since 1838.

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In Context

"The media frenzy over the actor's drunken behavior was a tempest in a teapot."

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Also Said As

much ado about nothing
storm in a teacup
and its variants storm in a tea-kettle
storm in a glass of water
and storm in a teapot
tempest in a teacup
tempest in a tea-kettle

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See Also