It might appear that the chocolate teapot is more of a common phrase than the fireguard;
As much use as a chocolate fire-guard: A fire-guard is used in front of a fireplace for safety. A chocolate fire-guard is of no use. An alternative to 'As much use as a chocolate teapot'.
As much use as a chocolate teapot: Something that is as much use as a chocolate teapot is not useful at all.
These Idioms and Phrases are compiled from Cambridge International Dictionary.
However;
Chocolate teapot proves useful - BBC News
Chocolatiers have managed to produce a chocolate teapot that held boiling water for two minutes to make a drinkable brew.
The York-based experts were challenged to prove the sarcastic phrase "as useful as a chocolate teapot" wrong.
The result was a hand-crafted, working receptacle made of dark chocolate containing 65% cocoa solids.
When put to the test the teapot survived, albeit pouring tea with a "hint of chocolate".
Which leads us to the question, at what distance from the fireplace would you test the chocolate fireguard in order to prove its usefullness?
