SOURED GRAPES Meaning and
Definition
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Soured grapes is a metaphorical expression that denotes a negative attitude, feeling, or reaction resulting from envy or disappointment towards something that one cannot have or achieve. The phrase originates from Aesop's fable "The Fox and the Grapes," where a fox unsuccessfully tries to reach a cluster of grapes hanging high on a vine. Unable to obtain the grapes, the fox eventually dismisses them by proclaiming they were probably sour anyway.
In contemporary usage, the term "soured grapes" is employed to describe a person's resentful or dismissive attitude towards something they desire or covet, but are unable to obtain or accomplish. This negative response is often rooted in envy or frustration, leading the individual to belittle or devalue the desired object, experience, or goal. Essentially, it serves as a defense mechanism to protect one's ego by justifying the unattainability or superiority of what they desire.
Soured grapes can manifest in various contexts, including personal ambitions, professional achievements, romantic relationships, or material possessions. For instance, if someone is overlooked for a promotion, they might exhibit a sour grapes attitude by downplaying the importance of the position or criticizing the organization's values. Similarly, an individual who cannot afford a luxury item might claim it is overrated or impractical. In both cases, "soured grapes" describes a negative mindset adopted as a coping mechanism when faced with unfulfilled desires.
Common Misspellings for SOURED GRAPES
- sour grapes
- aoured grapes
- zoured grapes
- xoured grapes
- doured grapes
- eoured grapes
- woured grapes
- siured grapes
- skured grapes
- slured grapes
- spured grapes
- s0ured grapes
- s9ured grapes
- soyred grapes
- sohred grapes
- sojred grapes
- soired grapes
- so8red grapes
- so7red grapes
- soueed grapes
Etymology of SOURED GRAPES
The expression "sour grapes" comes from one of Aesop's fables called "The Fox and the Grapes" dating back to ancient Greece. In the fable, a fox attempts to reach some grapes hanging high on a vine but fails to do so. After several unsuccessful attempts, the fox finally gives up and states that the grapes are probably sour, implying that they wouldn't have been tasty anyway. This concept of making negative remarks about something that one desires but cannot obtain is where the idiom "sour grapes" originates. It is often used to describe someone who belittles or expresses disdain for items or opportunities that are beyond their reach. The phrase entered the English language in the 16th century and has since become a common idiom.
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