all the tea in China

English edit

Etymology edit

Because of the large amount of tea in China, and its value.

Pronunciation edit

  • (file)

Noun edit

all the tea in China (uncountable)

  1. (idiomatic, hyperbolic) Something very valuable or priceless.
    I wouldn't trade you away for all the tea in China.
    • 1986, William Shatner, Catherine Hicks, 1:07:18 from the start, in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home[1], Paramount Pictures, →OCLC:
      KIRK: Ha, ha, ha. Okay, the truth. I am from what, on your calendar, would be the late twenty-third century. I've come back in time to bring two humpback whales with me in an attempt to repopulate the species.
      GILLIAN: Well, why didn't you just say so? I mean, why all the coy disguises?
      KIRK: You want the details?
      GILLIAN: Oh! I wouldn't miss this for all the tea in China.

Synonyms edit

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See also edit