They blow off steam

Usage examples of teapots.

Prints of great-uncles, famed for their prowess in the East, hung above Chinese teapots, whose sides were riveted by little gold stitches, and the precious teapots, again, stood upon bookcases containing the complete works of William Cowper and Sir Walter Scott.

And yet, gently swinging against the wall, within the black tube, was a voice which recked nothing of Uncle James, of China teapots, or of red velvet curtains.

He settled down cautiously, avoiding the scattered heaps of cups, teapots and plates, cloths, several balls, and a stack of badly warped racquets.

Some were sitting or lying on the floor, some were going out with empty teapots, or bringing them back filled with boiling water.

He stepped lightly and quickly, carrying two steaming teapots, and holding a loaf wrapped in a cloth under his arm.