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Region: General | Usage example: Her comments sounded like sour grapes after she was not invited.

Sour grapes

Meaning

Pretend not to care about something you cannot have.

Usage

Used to call out feigned indifference.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Aesop’s fable about a fox who could not reach grapes.

Used for centuries to describe rationalizing failure.

Related Idioms

Cry over spilled milk

Worry about something that already happened and cannot be changed.

Backseat driver

Someone who gives unwanted advice about how you should do something you're doing.

Write on the wall

A visible sign that something is about to fail.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.