tempest in a teapot

noun phrase

: a great commotion over an unimportant matter

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tempest in a teapot was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near tempest in a teapot

Cite this Entry

“Tempest in a teapot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tempest%20in%20a%20teapot. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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