Sour grapes

Meaning

Pretend not to care about something you cannot have.

Usage

Used to call out feigned indifference.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

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

Used for centuries to describe rationalizing failure.