What does sour grapes mean?

Sour grapes is an idiom that means being disappointed about not being able to have something, and then finding a reason to say it is not good anyway.

The phrase comes from the Aesop fable "The Fox and the Grapes," in which a fox tries to reach some grapes hanging high on a vine. After several unsuccessful attempts, the fox gives up and declares that the grapes are sour and not worth eating.

The idiom is often used to describe people who are unhappy about something they cannot have, and who try to make themselves feel better by saying it is not good anyway. For example, someone who is not invited to a party might say the party is going to be boring anyway.

The idiom can also be used to describe people who are critical of something they do not understand or appreciate. For example, someone who does not like classical music might say that it is boring and pretentious.

The phrase "sour grapes" is a reminder that it is important to be honest with ourselves about our feelings, and not to try to make excuses for our disappointments.