“A woman is like a tea bag — you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”
- October 11, 1884 – November 7, 1962
- American
- First Lady of the United States, Diplomat, Human Rights Advocate, Chair of the UN Human Rights Commission
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Quote
“A woman is like a tea bag — you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.”
Explanation
In this vivid and memorable metaphor, Eleanor Roosevelt conveys the idea that a woman’s true strength reveals itself under pressure, much like a tea bag steeping in hot water. The “hot water” symbolizes adversity, challenge, or crisis—circumstances that test a person’s resilience. Roosevelt suggests that strength, especially in women, is often underestimated or invisible until circumstances demand it.
As a woman who defied traditional roles and emerged as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, Roosevelt knew firsthand the trials women face and the power they hold. She spoke to a generation of women who were often confined to domestic or secondary roles, affirming that their fortitude becomes undeniable when put to the test—whether in family, politics, activism, or public life.
Today, the quote continues to inspire and empower, especially in conversations about gender equality, leadership, and resilience. Roosevelt’s words remind us that true strength is not loud or boastful—it is proven in how we handle life’s heat. For women—and for anyone overlooked or underestimated—this quote is both a celebration and a challenge to rise, endure, and show the world their strength when it matters most.
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