tea leaf

noun

1. the dried leaf of the tea shrub, used to make tea
2. usually plural shredded parts of these leaves, esp after infusion
3. slang.
   a thief

Word History and Origins

Origin of tea leaf¹

sense 3 rhyming slang

Example Sentences

Matcha is a finely ground powder of green tea leaves, which come from the plant Camellia sinensis.

From Salon

So Ford, reading the tea leaves, left the school he loved after that season in search of opportunity with its bitter rival — only to find more frustrating circumstances awaiting him at UCLA.

From Los Angeles Times

Reading the tea leaves of the pre-season friendlies, it looks like Rodgers will have an altogether easier time of it in the months ahead.

From BBC

He says it improves the ‘tannin and lignin extraction from the tea leaves,’ and I guess his family thought that was important.

From Salon

"Reading the tea leaves is very troubling for many of us right now," Mr Crow said.

From BBC