expression, godan verb (-ku)
have no customers; have no engagements
Idiomatic expression originally used of geisha or prostitutes who have no clients or appointments, implying idle time. Now somewhat dated and may be used humorously or in historical contexts.
今夜はお茶を挽いているみたいで、誰も来ない。
It seems I have no customers tonight; nobody is coming.
景気が悪くて、芸者たちはよくお茶を挽いていたそうだ。
I heard that because of the bad economy, the geisha often had no engagements.