Sour Grapes

A fox was walking under a grapevine. "There are lots of ripe grapes on that trellis; it really makes your mouth water. They must be delicious. Drat, I can't quite reach them. Now I'm all worn out. What rotten luck; I couldn't get a single grape. Aw, the grapes must be sour, that's why no one picked them. I won't worry about them either." When we say "sour grapes," we speak of a person calling something he can't get bad, in order to not be too bothered. This attitude has advantages, as it can keep us from having a deep sense of loss over something, but it also can cause people to avoid overcoming challenges. Just saying sarcastic words does not accomplish anything.