be mother
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Pouring tea is traditionally the mother's role in a family setting.
Pronunciation edit
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb edit
be mother (no third-person singular simple present, present participle being mother, no simple past, past participle been mother)
- (idiomatic, British) To pour out tea for others.
- Ah, here are the cakes and tea; shall I be mother?
- 2009, Kate Atkinson, When Will There Be Good News?, page 277:
- They went to a cafe and had afternoon tea.
'Shall l be mother?' Marcus said, lifting a utilitarian brown teapot, all cosied up in something that looked like a bobble hat.
- 2012, Betty Neels, The Final Touch:
- 'Be mother, will you, Charity? Teile and Letizia have a watered-down version.'
So they had a pleasant tea, although Charity kept an anxious eye on the clock, keen not to outstay her welcome.
Translations edit
To pour out tea for others