Hello Calder-ga,
Thank you for your question.
According to Word for the Wise at the Merriam-Webster website, the
phrase Tea and Sympathy has its origin in the 1953 play of that name
by Robert Anderson.
Word for the Wise is a two-minute radio show written and produced by
Kathleen Taylor of WAMC, the National Public Radio affiliate in
Albany, New York, which explores the English language.
“Folks reckoning with difficulties may look for tea and sympathy. That
phrase for "caring and hospitable behavior toward a troubled person"
has its origin in the 1953 play of that name by Robert Anderson.”
Merriam-Webster: Word for the Wise
http://www.merriamwebster.com/wftw/01jun/061201.htm
====================================================
From the Phrase Finder:
“The phrase comes from the title of Robert Anderson's play of 1953
about the problems faced by a sensitive teenage schoolboy accused of
homosexuality. The 'tea and sympathy' in question is provided by the
housemaster's wife. A film version followed in 1956.
All you supposed to do is every once in a while give the boys a little
tea and sympathy.
Tea and sympathy: Caring and hospitable behavior towards a troubled
person.”
ROBERT ANDERSON: _Tea and Sympathy_, Act I (1953)
From _Brewer's Dictionary of Modern Phrase & Fable_ (2000) by Adrian
Room
The Phrase Finder: Tea and Sympathy
http://phrases.shu.ac.uk/bulletin_board/17/messages/351.html
====================================================
Robert Anderson, American playwright who’s greatest success was in the
1950’s and 1960’s. Among his plays are Tea and Sympathy and You Know
I Can’t Hear You When the Waters Running.
http://www.campbell.edu/faculty/marting/Intro/vocab5.doc
Search Criteria:
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I hope this helps. If anything is unclear please request clarification
and I'll be glad to offer further assistance before you rate my answer
and close the question.
Best Regards,
Bobbie7-ga |
