To pour tea or serve food, as it was traditionally the mother who served such things in the household. Most often used in the phrase, "Shall I be mother?" Primarily heard in UK. Sit yourself down, relax, and let me be mother.The tea's ready, shall I be mother?See also: mother
be ˈmother
(old-fashioned, informal or humorous) pour the tea: The tea’s ready. Shall I be mother?See also: mother