That’s not my cup of tea

Nationality: American
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Residence: Los Angeles
Language: English

Text:

That’s not my cup of tea

Context:

The informant uses this phrase typically when talking about something that someone did or an object that they do not like. She is not sure where she developed it from, but it is a relatively common saying. 

Analysis:

This idiom originated from Britain in the early 20th century. It is used to convey that you are not interested in something or simply to convey preference. It is likely used in English speaking countries or cultures where enjoying a cup of tea is common or expected, therefore referring to something as “not being your cup of tea” would convey to others that you dislike something without saying it overtly.

Not my first rodeo

Nationality: American
Age: 27
Occupation: Business Operations at Financial Tech Company
Residence: Los Angeles
Language: English

Text:

Not my first rodeo

Context:

The informant frequently says this when he is able to guess the outcome of a certain situation or story without being told. He heard this phrase in 2014 from the owner of a music shop that he frequented. It was used to convey that he had adequate experience in the field and had encountered stuff before.

Analysis:

 This idiom comes from the 1981 film “Mommie Dearest”, although the phrase is understood by most Americans who are adults. Rodeos are a part of American culture where individuals would compete in equestrian sports. It is used to convey that someone has had adequate experience, is competent, and not naive. People may use it when talking about participating in certain activities or predicting certain outcomes. v

It takes two to tango

Nationality: American
Age: 50
Occupation: Home Renovator
Residence: Los Angeles
Language: English

Text:

It takes two to tango

Context:

The informant believes he heard this phrase on American television several decades ago. He uses this to comment on situations in which both parties seem to be at blame. He uses this proverb often as a teaching moment for being vigilant when driving in order to avoid a car wreck.

Analysis:

This phrase is a common idiom that is often used when discussing how two parties are equally responsible for the outcome of a certain situation. It is likely a know phrase in cultures with adequate knowledge of tango and the fact that it is a style of dance that requires two people to participate. An individual can apply this saying to anything they deem fit, although it is usually used in the context of something bad that happened. It also can be used when something requires more than one person to complete.

‘You can’t put each foot into 2 separate canoes/boats for long without falling into the water’

Text: ‘You can’t put each foot into 2 separate canoes/boats for long without falling into the water’ (Loosely Translated from Chinese)

Context: The subject’s mother, an immigrant who was born and raised in China through her 20s, used to tell her this, especially when the subject was a young adult carving out her place in the world.

“The point being you must focus on pursuing one path/interest instead of trying to do too many things at once and not doing anything well. (Or dating too many people at once!) That’s why she said it all the time because it was applicable to so many situations.” – SK

Analysis: Based on the subject’s description, this proverb seems to be used as a reminder that one ought to stay focused on what is most important to them. Those who say it are expounding the virtue that the pursuit of excellence requires a singular dedication and that trying to “balance” multiple paths will prevent success. As the subject indicated, it was widely applicable and widely used. This suggests to me that it represents a very prevalent idea about the pursuit of success in Chinese culture.

This saying is like the antithesis to the popular English proverb “don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” which cautions Westerners against the dangers of over-commitment. This saying is very popular in the Western world and reveals a lot about how we aspire to live our lives, especially when it comes to chasing success.Perhaps these differences in common proverbs and their associated virtues indicate a divide around how different cultures view this path to success; Chinese culture prioritizes singular dedication to one’s goals and Western culture prioritizes flexibility in options.

Don’t Bite the Hand That Feeds You

Text: Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You

Context: The subject often heard this proverb when he was being scolded by his mother as a young kid. Whenever he was being disrespectful or ungrateful, she would tell him off using this phrase.

Analysis: This proverb is very old and has been a staple of Western proverbial wisdom for millenia. It is featured in the Bible’s Book of Proverbs, which gives it a terminus ante quem of 1500 years. Despite its age, the proverb has maintained its relevance, teaching countless generations about relationship and power dynamics.  In the modern day, it is often used to calm an inferior party that is acting out of line, just like how the subject described his mother using it. In this case, its use is quite ironic since the mother literally feeds the son. In practice, its use is far more widespread. Whether it is a boss paying your salary or a coach giving you a spot on his team, this proverb reminds many hotheaded (and often young), people that it is never advisable to disrespect those who help provide your livelihood. For, if you bite the hand that feeds you, it is unlikely to return again with your food.