Elizaveta
Is it correct to say “it’s not my company’s cup of tea?” A company is a group of people here.
Oct 25, 2024 6:53 PM
Answers · 7
3
It would be puzzling in US English, for two reasons. a) We don't use "company" that way here. You can say "please keep me company while I do thus-and-such," or "I hike in a group because I enjoy the company." But when you say "a company" it usually refers to a business. b) It's unusual to the expression in reference to a group of people. It's unusual for anyone to say it about anybody but themself. "It's not my cup of tea" usually means a very individual taste. I can say "it's not my cup of tea." I probably would not say "it's not my wife's cup of tea," because I wouldn't speak for her.
Oct 25, 2024 9:33 PM
1
Hi Elizaveta, While 'Company' has the secondary meaning of 'group of people' in idiomatic phrases such as 'keeping company', it would not be understood that way in the context of a different idiom such as 'cup of tea'. You can keep the latter ('cup of tea'), or replace it with an equivalent ironic expression. I suggest changing Company for a different noun depending on the intended level of formality. For example: "It's not what we're into." (very informal) "It's not my friends' cup of tea." (intermediate) "It's not what my circle usually goes for." (formal)
Oct 25, 2024 7:49 PM
1
Yes, it’s grammatically correct to say “It’s not my company’s cup of tea,” and it would generally be understood, but it’s slightly unusual to use "cup of tea" for a company. This phrase is most often used to describe an individual’s personal taste or preference. For a company, you might instead say something like: “It’s not in line with my company’s focus.” “It’s not something my company specializes in.” “It’s not a priority for my company.” These options sound a bit more natural when referring to a company's preferences or areas of expertise. However, if you’re aiming for a light, conversational tone, your original phrasing can work too!
Oct 26, 2024 3:17 AM
That's fine. If a salesman is trying to sell your company a service that your company doesn't like, then that would be a perfect reply.
Oct 26, 2024 9:14 PM
No. A ‘company’ as a group of people refers to the military. It’s usually about 100 to 300 people. E.g. ‘Captain Johnson led the company tasked with defending the town.’ ‘Cup of tea’ refers to personal preference. ‘Jazz isn’t my cup of tea.’ Natural: My friends don’t like going to bars. My hiking group doesn’t do valley hikes. Summits only. Our mushroom gathering club focuses on edible mushrooms, not psychedelics.
Oct 27, 2024 5:28 PM
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