english
1
general::
Phrase(s): not for all the tea in China Fig. not even if you rewarded me with all the tea in China; not for anything at all. • No I won’t do it—not for all the tea in China.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Not at any price, never, as in I wouldn't give up my car, not for all the tea in China. This term originated in Australia and alludes to the presumed huge quantity of tea in China. [Late 1800s] Also see FOR ALL THE WORLD; NOT FOR LOVE OR MONEY.
American Heritage Idioms