English idiom

sour grapes

Register · Neutral CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

disparaging something desirable after failing to obtain it

Word picture

Desired fruit is pictured as tasting sour, which makes it easier to dismiss when it cannot be enjoyed.

Example

“His claim that the award was meaningless sounded like sour grapes after he failed to win it.”

Dictionary details

Component words

sour

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

get carried away

to become so excited or involved that you lose control

live a lie

to hide your true identity, beliefs, or feelings by living dishonestly

throw up one's hands

to show that you give up or feel helpless about something

crocodile tears

an outward show of sadness that is false or insincere

blow off steam

to release pent-up energy or emotion through some activity

cry wolf

to give false warnings so often that a real warning may later be ignored

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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