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Region: General | Usage example: Analysts read the tea leaves before the report came out.

Read the tea leaves

Meaning

Predict the future from available signs.

Usage

Figuratively applied to trend spotting.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Tea leaf fortune telling in parlors.

19th century British fortune tellers popularized the image.

Related Idioms

Reading the tea leaves

Trying to predict the future based on subtle signs.

Read between the lines

Identify hidden meaning.

Read the room

Perceive the atmosphere or mood.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.