お茶ちゃを挽ひく

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.

• 今こん夜やはお茶ちゃを挽ひいているみたいで、誰だれも来こない。

  It seems I have no customers tonight; nobody is coming.

• 景けい気きが悪わるくて、芸げい者しゃたちはよくお茶ちゃを挽ひいていたそうだ。

  I heard that because of the bad economy, the geisha often had no engagements.