create a storm in a teacup
/kriˈeɪt ə stɔːm ɪn ə ˈtiː.kʌp/
Definition
The meaning: Create a storm in a teacup is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where a small or insignificant problem is exaggerated or blown out of proportion.
La signification: L'expression anglaise create a storm in a teacup, qui signifie "faire toute une histoire pour pas grand-chose", peut se traduire en français par "faire une tempête dans un verre d'eau". Elle est utilisée lorsque quelqu'un réagit de façon excessive à un problème mineur.
Note: This phrase is more commonly used in British English. The American equivalent is often make a mountain out of a molehill.
Word Analysis
French synonyms
» Faire une montagne d'un rien
» Exagérer
» Dramatise
» S'emporter pour peu
» Tempête dans un verre d'eau
A: Ce n'était qu'un petit retard, pas la peine de faire une tempête dans un verre d'eau !
B: Tu as raison, j'ai un peu réagi trop fort.
English synonyms
» Overreact
» Blow out of proportion
» Make a big deal out of nothing
» Fuss over nothing
» Make a mountain out of a molehill
A: It was just a small mistake, no need to create a storm in a teacup.
B: You're right, I did overreact a bit.
Dialogue
Lucie: "Why is everyone panicking about that email?"
Daniel: "No idea. It’s really not a big deal."
Lucie: "So we’re just creating a storm in a teacup?"
Daniel: "Exactly. It's being blown out of proportion."
Etymology
Origin: The phrase create a storm in a teacup dates back to the 18th century and is primarily used in British English. It suggests stirring up a dramatic situation in a very small or insignificant space, symbolising unnecessary fuss. A similar expression exists in French: "tempête dans un verre d'eau", which conveys the same idea of overreacting to a trivial issue.
Audience
The phrase "create a storm in a teacup" is common in British English and is used when someone reacts too strongly to a minor issue.
When to use: Use this expression to describe exaggerated emotional reactions to small problems, e.g., "She created a storm in a teacup over a misplaced file." It works well in both personal and professional settings, especially when you want to gently criticise someone’s overreaction.
Dictionary Meaning
Cambridge says that it's "a fuss made over an unimportant matter." Here's a provided example of use: 'Despite all the shouting, the argument turned out to be a storm in a teacup.'
News Snippet
"Earlier, Mandy de Waal wrote that marketing blogger Herman Manson had been denied accreditation to the Loerie Awards evenings. The story became not so much a storm in a teacup as a tempest in a teapot, culminating in a heated debate about the nature of censorship."
Read the full article at The Daily Maverick
Extra! Extra!
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Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "A Storm in a Teacup"
Tempest in a Teapot
A small event that has been exaggerated out of proportion.
Example: "The argument was just a tempest in a teapot; it didn’t really matter."
Making a Mountain Out of a Molehill
To exaggerate a minor issue into a major problem.
Example: "She’s making a mountain out of a molehill with her complaints."
Much Ado About Nothing
A lot of fuss over something insignificant.
Example: "The media coverage was much ado about nothing."
Blowing Things Out of Proportion
To make a situation seem more serious than it really is.
Example: "He’s blowing things out of proportion; it was just a minor mistake."
Fuss Over Nothing
To show excessive concern over trivial matters.
Example: "There was a fuss over nothing when they canceled the picnic."
Overreacting
Responding more strongly than is warranted by the situation.
Example: "Her overreacting made the situation much worse."
Creating a Scene
To make a dramatic display of emotions in a public setting.
Example: "He’s always creating a scene over trivial matters."
Storm in a Glass of Water
A situation that is blown out of proportion, similar to "storm in a teacup."
Example: "This argument is just a storm in a glass of water; let’s move on."
Getting Bent Out of Shape
To become upset or angry over something minor.
Example: "There’s no need to get bent out of shape over that comment."
Making a Big Deal Out of Nothing
To treat a trivial issue as if it were very important.
Example: "They’re making a big deal out of nothing; it’s not worth the fuss."
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