five-o'clock tea
Noun: - A light afternoon meal: "five-o'clock tea" refers to a small meal or snack served in the late afternoon, typically around five o'clock, often including tea, sandwiches, cakes, or pastries. It is a social tradition, especially in British culture.
- (A social gathering with tea and snacks in the late afternoon.)
- (A light meal served around five o'clock.)
- (A regular afternoon tea event.)
"to have five-o'clock tea": to participate in this afternoon meal tradition.
- They always have five-o'clock tea at four-thirty to avoid the rush. (They observe the custom of a late afternoon tea break.)
"five-o'clock tea party": a social event centered around this meal.
- The charity hosted a five-o'clock tea party to raise funds. (A formal gathering with tea and refreshments.)
Tea time (n): the time of day when tea is traditionally served, often synonymous with afternoon tea.
- Tea time is at four o'clock in this household. (The daily period for tea consumption.)
Afternoon tea (n): a more common term for a light meal with tea, typically served earlier (around 3–4 PM), but sometimes used interchangeably with "five-o'clock tea".
- Afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches and pastries. (A similar meal tradition.)
- Afternoon tea: a light meal with tea, usually served in the late afternoon.
- High tea: a more substantial evening meal with tea, often served later (around 6 PM), distinct from "five-o'clock tea".
Not one's cup of tea: not something one enjoys or prefers.
- Formal five-o'clock tea is not my cup of tea; I prefer coffee. (I do not enjoy that tradition.)
Storm in a teacup: a great deal of fuss about something trivial.
- The argument over the five-o'clock tea menu was a storm in a teacup. (A minor issue exaggerated.)