Use it to suggest someone might be overreacting to a minor issue. You spilled a bit of water—don't make a tempest in a teapot.
Pro Tip 2/3
Conflict Context
Often used in the context of disagreements that are blown out of proportion. Their heated debate over such a small error was just a tempest in a teapot.
Pro Tip 3/3
Idiomatic Caution
Be cautious—idioms like this may confuse non-native speakers who take words literally. To non-native ears, 'a tempest in a teapot' could sound mystifying.