sour grapes - Definition & Meaning

a negative attitude or reaction toward something that one desires but cannot have or achieve, often by minimizing its importance or wortha negative attitude or reaction toward something that one desires but cannot have or achieve, often by minimizing its importance or worth

The idiom "sour grapes" comes from a fable named "The Fox and the Grapes." In the story, a fox couldn't reach some grapes and, feeling disappointed, claimed that the grapes were probably sour anyway. This phrase is used to describe someone who pretends to dislike or devalue something they desire but cannot have, often out of envy or frustration.The idiom "sour grapes" comes from a fable named "The Fox and the Grapes." In the story, a fox couldn't reach some grapes and, feeling disappointed, claimed that the grapes were probably sour anyway. This phrase is used to describe someone who pretends to dislike or devalue something they desire but cannot have, often out of envy or frustration.

例句

After not getting the job, he dismissed it as a boring position with a low salary, exhibiting sour grapes.
在没得到这份工作后，他将其视为一份薪水低的无聊职位，表现出酸葡萄心理。
His constant criticism of others' achievements is just sour grapes due to his lack of success.
他对他人成就的不断批评只是由于自己缺乏成功而产生的酸葡萄心理。
If she doesn't get the promotion, it's important not to exhibit sour grapes and continue to work hard.
如果她没有得到晋升，重要的是不要表现出酸葡萄心理，并继续努力工作。