be mother
English
WOTD – 2 February 2012
Alternative forms
- be mum
Etymology
Pouring tea is traditionally the mother's role in a family setting.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb
be mother (third-person singular simple present -, present participle being mother, simple past -, past participle been mother)
- (idiomatic, Britain) 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.
- 'Be mother, will you, Charity? Teile and Letizia have a watered-down version.'
Translations
To pour out tea for others
|
|
See also
- mother-to-be