skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Phrase of the day 1/3

jim_1 (Zone 5B)

3 years ago

Sour grapes

This expression comes from a fable by Aesop in which a fox tried to reach some grapes and, failing, said, “Well, they are probably sour anyway.” So a person who is accused of taking a sour grapes attitude is one who is disparaging something because he knows it is beyond his capacity to attain.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

vgkg Z-7 Va
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
The 2020 grape harvest is extremely sour compared to the 2016 crop, this year the tangled vines have produced an unpalatable whine.
nickel_kg
3 years ago
Oh I love Aesop's Fables! When I was a kid, I had a picture book of fables. The Fox and the Grapes, The Grasshopper and the Ant, The Fox and the Crow, The Crow and the Pitcher, etc. Do kids still get to enjoy these delightful small tales?
Related Discussions
Phrase of the day 1/20
Q
Comments (2)
As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year (May and October) Women kept their hair covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn't wash the wigs, so to clean them they would carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term 'big wig.' Today we often use the term 'here comes the Big Wig' because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.
...See More
Phrase of the day 1/30
Q
Comments (2)
Interesting timing Jim. Our local news recently reported that Spring, 2021 is the year of our Brood X (or 17 year) cicada emergence. I remember the last time it was supposed to happen and we didn't notice any major eruption in our neighborhood. https://www.phillymag.com/news/2021/01/28/philadelphia-cicadas/ This is a link to a CBS map of the areas involved - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-brood-x-us-cicada-infestation-coming-in-2021/
...See More
Phrase of the day 1/31
Q
Comments (2)
I never thought of "devil's advocate" as being on the losing side of an argument but rather taking the position that is less popular as a way to point out the flaws in the popular pov. And that wasn't necessarily being cantankerous, but a useful tool in testing the strength of the argument.
...See More
Phrase of the day 3/1
Q
Comments (4)
Interesting that many of our common phrases are from Shakespeare. I wish I paid more attention in high school :-/
...See More
stacey_mb
3 years ago
Timeless tales, each with a moral.
Lars
3 years ago
Here are some more Aesop Fables:
Rusty
3 years ago
Nickel, I, too, loved Aesop's Fables as a child. And I still do! I read them to my boys when they were small, and I've given the picture book version to the first child in each of their families. I have no idea if that 'tradition' has been carried down to the Great-Grans, though. Maybe I just ought to see that it is.

Rusty
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
3 years ago
I can still recite "the fox and the crow" in French that I learned eons ago :-)
jim_1 (Zone 5B)
Original Author
3 years ago
For those of you who like to read aloud to others, consider volunteering at a facility where those with dementia live. Once a week, read for 30 minutes. The smiles are wonderful. They remember stuff like that!!
nickel_kg
3 years ago
Jim, that's an excellent suggestion. My dad's not in memory care yet, but we've attended (pre-Covid) a few sing-alongs in the memory unit. Just an amateur with her guitar, but it connects the men and women with their old selves for a little while. Maybe with vaccinations coming along, volunteering will be possible in another few months. I can't sing worth a darn, but I can read :-)
vgkg Z-7 Va
3 years ago
"Sour Grapes" has jumped to a whole new level over the past few hours. Apparently some grapes do become much more sour over time.

Related Stories

KIDS’ SPACES Room of the Day: 3 Brothers Share 1 Big Bedroom in Hawaii

With a loft, personalized areas and plenty of space for play, this shared boys’ bedroom inspires togetherness and a sense of fun

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Rebooting a 1930s Bungalow in 3 Days

By Mary Jo Bowling

A design team mixes old and new to upgrade a computer science teacher's home in a flash

MOST POPULAR Choosing Color: See How 3 Bold Palettes Change 1 Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Designed to be flexible when it comes to color, this kitchen easily handles different color schemes

MOST POPULAR Choosing Color: See 1 Cute Home in 3 Exterior Paint Palettes

By Jennifer Ott Design

Here’s proof that a little bit of fun color can add a whole lot of flair to your house

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: 1 Room With 4 Functions in a Texas Apartment

A 450-square-foot room serves as living room, library and 2 bedrooms

HOLIDAYS 1 Mantel Done 3 Ways for the Holidays

See how this New York stylist dresses up her mantel with fresh touches for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas

CHRISTMAS 1 Dining Room, 3 Holiday Tablescape Ideas

By Rikki Snyder

Draw inspiration and tips from these stunning table setups to add a nature-inspired touch to your Christmas gathering

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Remodel Costs: 3 Budgets, 3 Kitchens

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

What you can expect from a kitchen remodel with a budget from $20,000 to $100,000

HOUZZ TOURS 13 Character-Filled Homes Between 1,000 and 1,500 Square Feet

By Mitchell Parker

See how homeowners have channeled their creativity into homes that are bright, inviting and one of a kind

LIGHTING The Pros and Cons of Recessed Lighting

By David K Warfel at LightCanHelpYou.com

A lighting designer shares three things recessed lights do well and three things to watch out for

Sponsored

More Discussions

Gas station prices

68

Smile today - 4/26/24

11

Friday Music Theme (FNM) Earth Day/Arbor Day

27

Non scratch wire mesh cleaning cloths

8

Smile today - 4/27/24

3