cup of tea

noun phrase

1

: something one likes or excels in

I see already that storytelling isn't my cup of tea …

—John Barth

also : a person suited to one's taste

2

: a thing to be reckoned with : matter

… poltergeists are a different cup of tea …

—D. B. W. Lewis

Examples of cup of tea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Liz Clayman The storied British tradition of afternoon tea is also flourishing on this side of the pond as American tea rooms offer a wide array of afternoon tea settings, complete with brimming cups of tea, warm scones and delectable finger sandwiches. —Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026

Add in the signature fragrance, a welcome cup of tea, and live music that plays throughout the day, and this has to be one of the most Chinese-style hotel lobbies in Beijing’s top echelon of hotels. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 2026

Now, honestly speaking, this won't be everyone’s cup of tea. —New Atlas, 11 May 2026

According to the royal family's website, around 27,000 cups of tea are served and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed! —Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cup of tea

• abc
• absentee
• addressee
• adoptee
• allottee
• amphorae
• amputee
• apc
• apogee
• appointee
• assessee
• assignee