Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tea-and-sympathy

phrase

/ˌtiː ənd sɪmˈpæθi/

Definition

An expression of compassion or comfort, typically without any substantial help.

Examples

After the breakup, all her friends could offer was tea-and-sympathy.
He appreciated their tea-and-sympathy, but he needed real assistance to get through his troubles.

Meaning

The term refers to offering emotional support or comfort to someone in distress, often in a superficial manner that does not solve the underlying problem.