Sour grapes Meaning in English
expression
Definition
The phrase 'sour grapes' describes pretending to dislike or criticize something you actually want but cannot have, often out of jealousy or disappointment.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiomatic, slightly informal expression. It comes from Aesop's fable where a fox claimed grapes he could not reach were probably sour. It's often used to highlight hidden jealousy. Don't confuse it with genuine dislike; it's about pretending due to disappointment.
Example Sentences
He said he never liked that job, but maybe it's just sour grapes.
basic
Don't pay attention to her sour grapes. She wanted to be on the team too.
basic
When Jake lost, he called the contest unfair. That's just sour grapes.
basic
People say the critics’ negative reviews were just sour grapes because their own films didn’t win awards.
natural
I think all that talk about 'it wasn't a big deal' is just sour grapes since they missed out.
natural
Her comment about the party being boring sounded like sour grapes to me.
natural