An idiom meaning (for a geisha, prostitute, etc.) to have no customers; to be without engagements.
最近その置屋では客足が遠のき、芸者がお茶を挽いているらしい。
Lately that okiya has been losing customers, and it seems the geisha have no engagements.
観光シーズンが終わって、店の娘たちはお茶を挽くことが増えた。
After the tourist season ended, the shop's girls have more often been without customers.
景気が悪くなり、昔ながらの茶屋はお茶を挽く日が続いている。
With the economy worsening, traditional teahouses have continued to have many days without customers.