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Tea's Up

Posted by Bob on August 22, 2003

In Reply to: Tea's Up posted by Lotg on August 22, 2003

: This morning my partner called to me to say 'coffee's up' - cos we don't drink tea. Anyway, I first heard the term in reference to tea.

: Obviously it means that the tea is ready to drink - but why 'up'?

Two of the dictionary definitions for "up" seem to be related. One is "for consideration" (next up on the agenda) and the other is "near, approaching" (came up and slugged him.) Both seem appropriate. Tea/coffee has been brewing in the background, and now it's ready for consideration. It's been approaching. Probably the reason we don't say "beer's up" is the absence of that making-and-waiting process.

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