sour grapes

noun plural

: unfair criticism that comes from someone who is disappointed about not getting something

Full Definition of SOUR GRAPES

: disparagement of something that has proven unattainable <his criticisms are just sour grapes>

from the fable ascribed to Aesop of the fox who after finding himself unable to reach some grapes he had desired disparaged them as sour

First Known Use: 1760

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