所谓酸葡萄 sour grapes 这一表达就是用来形容那些因为得不到而对某事进行批评、聊以自慰的人。类似汉语中的吃不到葡萄说葡萄酸。
- You think my job is too tiring for me because I get to travel abroad too much? No. Your criticism is just sour grapes.
- Tony's friends said his new girlfriend was an air-head, but he dismissed their criticism as sour grapes. She was the most beautiful student in his class and they were just jealous.
值得注意的是，另一个短语 heard something through the grapevine 意思是听到小道消息，道听途说。
- I heard through the grapevine that you are getting a promotion. Congratulations!
