tea break
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A short pause from work or activity, typically in the morning or afternoon, for the purpose of drinking tea, coffee, or another beverage and often having a light snack.
Usage
A "tea break" is a scheduled or informal rest period. It is a common practice in workplaces and during events. While the name suggests tea, the break can involve any refreshment.
Examples
- The office has a scheduled tea break at 3:30 PM every day.
- Let's stop for a quick tea break; we've been working on this report for hours.
- During the conference, there will be a tea break between the two main speakers.
Advanced Usage
- "to take a tea break": This is the standard phrase for having this rest period.
- The construction workers took a tea break under the shade of a tree.
Variants and Related Words
- Coffee break (noun): A near synonym, more common in American English, but functionally identical in meaning.
- Break (noun): The general term for any short pause. A "tea break" is a specific type of break.
Synonyms
- Recess: Often used in educational contexts.
- Intermission: Commonly used during performances or shows.
- Rest period: A more formal or general term.
Notes on Meaning
The term "tea break" is culturally associated with British and Commonwealth countries, where it is a well-established tradition. It emphasizes the social and restorative aspect of the pause. The reference to "tea" is historical and conventional; the beverage consumed can be coffee, juice, or water.
Noun
- a snack taken during a break in the work day
- a ten-minute coffee break
- the British have tea breaks