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吃不到葡萄说葡萄酸编写英文英文作文五年级The fable of the fox and the grapes is a timeless tale that has been passed down through generations teaching us a valuable lesson about human nature and the way we often rationalize our failures or disappointments. The story goes that a hungry fox comes across a vine laden with succulent-looking grapes but despite his best efforts he is unable to reach them. Frustrated, the fox decides that the grapes must be sour anyway and walks away declaring that he didn't want them in the first place.This classic story illustrates the human tendency to belittle or devalue things that we desire but cannot obtain. When faced with unattainable goals, we often find a way to convince ourselves that we never really wanted them after all. By dismissing the object of our desire as unworthy, we can protect our ego and save face rather than admit defeat. This defense mechanism is known as the "sour grapes" syndrome and it is a common psychological response to disappointment.There are many real-life examples of the sour grapes mentality at play. A person who is passed over for a promotion at work may convince themselves that they never really wanted that position anyway, citing reasons why it wouldn't have been a good fit. A romantic partner who is rejected may decide that the other person was never attractive or interesting to them in the first place. A student who fails an important exam may decide that the subject matter was trivial and unimportant. In each of these cases, the individual is using the sour grapes defense to protect their ego and avoid the pain of acknowledging their failure or disappointment.On a broader scale, we can see the sour grapes phenomenon manifest in societal and political contexts. A political party that loses an election may claim that the victors only won through underhanded tactics or that their policies are misguided. A person who is excluded from an elite social group may dismiss that group as shallow or uninteresting. In these cases, the sour grapes mentality serves to preserve a sense of superiority and deflect attention away from one's own shortcomings.While the sour grapes syndrome is a common and understandable human response, it is ultimately an unhealthy coping mechanism. By convincing ourselves that we never really wanted something in the first place, we deny ourselves the opportunity to learn and growfrom our setbacks. We miss out on the chance to reflect on our weaknesses, adjust our goals, and try again with renewed determination.Additionally, the sour grapes attitude can have negative consequences for our relationships and social standing. When we dismiss the value of things we cannot have, we risk coming across as bitter, arrogant, or insecure to those around us. This can damage our credibility and make others less likely to take us seriously in the future.Instead of resorting to sour grapes, it is healthier to acknowledge our disappointments with honesty and humility. We can admit when we have fallen short of our goals and use that as motivation to improve ourselves. By owning our failures, we open the door to valuable self-reflection and growth. We may even discover that the thing we thought we wanted was not as important as we had believed, leading us to reevaluate our priorities in a more constructive way.Ultimately, the moral of the fox and the grapes story is not about the grapes themselves, but about the fox's response to his inability to obtain them. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of rationalizing our shortcomings and the importance of maintaining a realistic and adaptive perspective on life's ups and downs. By recognizing andresisting the sour grapes syndrome, we can become more resilient, self-aware, and capable of achieving our true desires.。
Sour Grapes 酸葡萄作者:小川来源:《阅读(快乐英语中年级)》2018年第07期葡萄架上的葡萄(grape)熟了,看起来很美味。
狐狸想吃葡萄,但却够不到,只得作罢。
小松鼠们也想吃葡萄,但是狐狸告诉他们葡萄是酸的(sour)。
Are the grapes really sour? 葡萄真的是酸的吗?Let’s read the story.Grapes are ripe(成熟的).They are purple(紫色的)and round(圆圆的).They look yummy(美味的).A fox comes.“I like grapes,” says the fox.The fox tries to pick(采摘) the grapes.But he fails(失败).A squirrel is picking grapes.“Squirrel,what are you doing?” asks the fox.“I’m picking some grapes,” says the squirrel.“Don’t eat sour grapes,” says the fox.“Oh,I don’t like sour grapes,” says the squirrel.The squirrel goes away.A rabbit comes to the squirrel.“Let’s go a nd pick some grapes ,” says the rabbit.“I want to eat grapes.”“The grapes are sour,” says the squirrel.“Oh,I don’t like sour grapes,” says the rabbit.A monkey is picking grapes.“Monkey,what are you doing?” asks t he rabbit.“I’m picking some grapes,” says the monkey.“Don’t eat the grapes,” says the squirrel.“Why not?” the monkey is puzzled(困惑的).“They’re sour,” says the rabbit.“Oh,I don’t like sour grapes.”A giraffe comes to the monkey.“I want to eat grapes,” says the giraffe.“Shall we go and pick some?”“But, the grapes are sour,” says the monkey.“How do you know?” asks the giraffe.“Rabbit told(告诉) me,” says the monk ey.They go to ask the rabbit.“How do you know the grapes are sour?” asks the giraffe.“Squirrel told me,” says the rabbit.“Fox told me,” says the squirrel.“The grapes look yummy,” says the giraffe.“Let m e have a taste(尝一尝)first.”The giraffe tastes some grapes.Oh,they aresweet.The squirrel has a taste.“Oh,the grapes are so sweet!” says the squirrel. The animals all have a taste.“How sweet! We like sweet grapes.”They all cheer.不管做任何事情都要亲自实践,不能道听途说,盲目地相信别人哦。
Adam's apple---喉结Big Apple---New York City 纽约市as American as apple pie---used to say that something is typical of A merica 典型美国式的;地道美国式的a rotten apple---one bad person who has a bad effect on others in a g roup 带来恶劣影响的人;害群之马the apple of somebody's eye---a person or thing that is loved more th an any other 心肝宝贝;掌上明珠She is the apple of her father's eye.她是她父亲的掌上明珠.与水果有关的英语习语从苹果开始我们的“水果之旅”:美国人爱吃苹果派,不难看出他们对苹果是情有独钟。
所以我们描述一个非常地道的美国人,就可以说He is as American as apple pie.而要描述一个地方非常整洁、井井有条,可以说Everything here is in apple-pie order.通常,卖苹果的商贩会将苹果擦得锃亮以勾起人们的购买欲望,但是apple-polisher 可不是“擦苹果的人”,而是“溜须拍马的人”,动词是apple-polish.我们常说的”掌上明珠“在英语中叫“the apple of one’s eye”.比如说“梅是她父亲的掌上明珠”,就是May is the apple of her father’s eye.大写的(the)Big Apple,是美国的纽约市。
英语中与水果有关的词语还有:top/big banana是大老板。
Who’s your top/big banana?谁是你们的老板?go bananas是指一个人“大发雷霆”。
吃不到葡萄说葡萄酸的英文作文五年级The phrase "sour grapes" is a well-known idiom that describes a situation where someone denies wanting something they cannot have, because it would be too humiliating to admit their desire for it. This expression originates from an Aesop's fable, in which a fox attempts to reach some high-hanging grapes, but fails to do so. The fox then convinces himself that the grapes were probably sour anyway, and therefore not worth the effort.This fable teaches an important lesson about human nature and our tendency to rationalize our failures or disappointments. When we are unable to attain something we want, it is natural for us to find a way to downplay its value, in order to protect our ego and maintain a sense of self-worth. By claiming that the object of our desire is not actually worth having, we can avoid the pain of admitting our own shortcomings or limitations.The "sour grapes" mentality is a common defense mechanism that we all employ to some degree. It allows us to save face and preserve our pride, even when we fall short of our goals. However, thisapproach can also be detrimental, as it can prevent us from learning from our mistakes and striving to improve ourselves.One of the clearest examples of the "sour grapes" phenomenon can be seen in the world of sports and competition. When an athlete or team loses a close game or match, it is not uncommon for them to make excuses or downplay the significance of the victory of their opponents. They may claim that the other team was "lucky," or that the playing conditions were unfair, rather than acknowledging the superior skill or performance of their rivals.This type of rationalization serves to protect the loser's ego and maintain a sense of self-worth, even in the face of defeat. By dismissing the accomplishments of their opponents, they can convince themselves that the loss was not a true reflection of their own abilities, and that they are still superior in some way.However, this attitude can be counterproductive, as it prevents the individual or team from learning from their mistakes and striving to improve. Instead of focusing on the factors that led to their defeat, they may become fixated on finding external reasons to explain their failure, rather than taking responsibility for their own shortcomings.The "sour grapes" mentality can also be observed in the realm of personal relationships and social interactions. When someone isrejected or excluded from a group or activity, they may respond by claiming that they never really wanted to be a part of it in the first place. They may criticize the group or the people involved, in an attempt to convince themselves and others that they are not actually missing out on anything.This type of behavior is often a defense mechanism to protect one's self-esteem and avoid the pain of rejection or exclusion. By convincing themselves that the thing they were denied was not actually desirable, they can maintain a sense of control and preserve their sense of self-worth.However, this approach can also be detrimental to personal growth and the development of healthy relationships. By refusing to acknowledge their true desires or feelings, individuals may miss out on valuable learning experiences and opportunities for self-improvement. They may also alienate themselves from others, as their dismissive attitude can be perceived as arrogant or insensitive.In conclusion, the "sour grapes" mentality is a common human behavior that serves to protect our ego and maintain a sense of self-worth in the face of disappointment or failure. While it may provide a temporary respite from the pain of unmet desires, it can also be detrimental to personal growth and the development of healthy relationships. By recognizing and addressing the root causes of our"sour grapes" reactions, we can learn to embrace our failures and shortcomings as opportunities for growth and improvement, rather than resorting to self-deception and rationalization.。
The Sour Grapes SyndromeIn the ancient world, there was a fox who desired the sweet taste of grapes hanging high on the vine. Unable to reach them, the fox resorted to mockery, saying, "The grapes are sour." This tale embodies a psychological phenomenon known as the "sour grapes syndrome," a coping mechanism where individuals, unable to obtain something desired, disparage it to justify their lack of possession. The syndrome is a common occurrence in our daily lives, manifesting in various scenarios. It could be a coveted promotion at work that one feels is not worth the effort when it goes to someone else. Or it could be the envy one feels towards a friend's new car, saying it's not practical enough or too expensive to maintain. The root cause of this syndrome lies in the fear of failure or the reluctance to admit one's own limitations.However, this syndrome can be dangerous as it can lead to missed opportunities and stagnation. It's essential to recognize when one is succumbing to the sour grapes syndrome and instead focus on personal growth and development. One should strive to improve oneself, ratherthan settle for less and criticize what one cannot obtain. By doing so, one can overcome this syndrome and moveforward in life with a positive mindset.**葡萄酸心理**在古时候,有一只狐狸渴望品尝葡萄藤上高挂的甜美葡萄。
吃不到葡萄说葡萄酸的英语作文50个词全文共6篇示例,供读者参考篇1Title: Sour GrapesIn my school, we have a garden where we grow all kinds of fruits. One day, I saw the most beautiful grapes hanging on a vine. They were big and juicy, and I couldn't wait to taste them.But when I reached out to pick the grapes, they were too high for me. I tried jumping, but they were still out of reach. I felt sad and said, "Those grapes are probably sour anyway."My friend, Lily, heard me and said, "Don't say that. You can't judge something without trying it. Maybe they are really sweet."Lily was right. I shouldn't have said the grapes were sour just because I couldn't reach them. I learned an important lesson that day - we shouldn't make assumptions without trying things ourselves.From then on, I decided to work hard and grow taller so I could reach the grapes. I watered the vine, took care of it, anddidn't give up. Finally, one day, I reached the grapes and tasted them. They were the sweetest grapes I had ever eaten!I realized that if I had given up and said the grapes were sour, I would have missed out on something wonderful. So, next time when things seem difficult, I will remember not to judge too quickly. I will keep trying and stay positive because you never know how sweet the grapes might be until you try.篇2Title: Sour GrapesOnce upon a time, there was a little fox named Freddie. Freddie loved grapes more than anything else in the world. Every day, he would dream of eating the juicy, sweet grapes from the vineyard near his home.One day, Freddie finally got the chance to visit the vineyard. He was so excited! But when he reached the vineyard, he realized that the grapes were too high up on the vines. He couldn't reach them, no matter how hard he tried.Freddie felt sad and disappointed. He looked up at the grapes and said, "Those grapes must be sour anyway. I didn't want to eat them." He walked away with a frown on his face.As Freddie walked home, he couldn't stop thinking about the grapes. He wondered if they were really sour or if he was just saying that because he couldn't reach them. He felt a little jealous of the birds who could fly up and eat the grapes whenever they wanted.The next day, Freddie decided to try again. He brought a ladder with him this time. With the ladder, he was able to reach the grapes. He picked one and took a bite. To his surprise, the grape was the sweetest thing he had ever tasted!Freddie realized that he had been wrong. The grapes weren't sour at all. He had just been saying that because he couldn't have them. From that day on, Freddie learned not to judge things he couldn't have and not to say they were bad just because he couldn't get them.The end.I hope you like this short story! Remember, it's important to appreciate what we have and not make assumptions about things we can't have.篇3Title: The Sour GrapesOnce upon a time, there was a little fox named Freddy. Freddy loved exploring and discovering new things. One day, he heard about a beautiful vineyard where the juiciest grapes grew. He was so excited and decided to visit the vineyard.When Freddy arrived at the vineyard, he saw the most delicious-looking grapes hanging from the vines. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't reach them. "I want those grapes!" Freddy exclaimed, feeling disappointed.As he sat under the vine, he noticed an old owl perched on a nearby branch. The wise owl asked Freddy what was wrong, and the little fox explained his desire for the grapes. The owl smiled and said, "Sometimes, things we can't have seem better than they really are. Maybe the grapes are not as tasty as they appear."Freddy didn't believe the owl and insisted that the grapes must be delicious. The owl then suggested that Freddy imagine what it would be like to taste the grapes. As Freddy closed his eyes and imagined, he realized that he was just making up stories about how amazing the grapes would be. He opened his eyes and understood what the owl meant.Freddy realized that he had been saying the grapes were sour because he couldn't reach them. He learned an importantlesson that day: sometimes, it's better to be grateful for what we have rather than complaining about what we don't have.From that day forward, Freddy stopped saying the grapes were sour. He appreciated the things he could enjoy and began to explore other wonderful things in the world. And you know what? Freddy lived happily ever after.In conclusion, we should remember not to complain about things we can't have. It's important to appreciate what we do have and be grateful for the wonderful things around us. Life is much happier when we focus on the positive instead of dwelling on what we lack.我希望这篇作文符合你的要求。
英语中与⽔果有关的俗语,你知道⼏个?英语中有关⽔果的这些俗语,你知道⼏个?The apple of one’s eye表⽰某个特别珍爱的⼈/物。
东⽅和西⽅都把苹果视为⼀种吉祥的⽔果。
例句:John little girl is the apple of his eye, he loves her so much.To go bananas表⽰某⼈发疯、精神错乱、情绪不稳定! 为什么这么理解呢?⾹蕉有招谁了呢?⾹蕉招猴⼦喜欢,猴⼦看见就上蹿下跳的,后来引申为发疯。
例句:She went bananas when she found him cheatingTo cherry pick表⽰精挑细选。
to choose something very carefully.例句:Paul always cherry picks the best books from the second hand book shopTo not give a fig表⽰毫⽆重视,⼀点⼉也不放在⼼上。
I donot care!尤其是表⽰你不在意某⼈的意见或者举动!例句:Helen and I are no longer friends; I don’t give a fig whether she comes to the party of not. To be a peach如果像形容⼀个⼈是⼀个桃⼉,其实就是想表达ta很好很nice!例句:Thank you for helping me paint, James, you’re a peach!To have sour grapessour:酸的,sour grapes 酸葡萄。
表⽰:吃不着葡萄就说葡萄酸。
例句:Karen’s attitude towards the competition winner was sour grapes.To compare apples and oranges表⽰两件不同的事物,没有可⽐性。
吃葡萄说葡萄酸的英语小作文The Sour Grape Syndrome.In the bustling world of today, where the allure of instant gratification and superficial pleasures often overshadows the value of patience and perseverance, theage-old saying "the grass is always greener on the other side" has taken a new twist in the form of "eating the grape and saying it's sour." This idiom, albeit in a more figurative sense, captures the essence of human nature, where we often criticize or dismiss something that we ourselves have tried and failed to achieve.In the garden of life, the grapevine often serves as a metaphorical representation of opportunity and success. Its juicy, sweet fruit is a tantalizing prize, yet the path to its attainment is often fraught with challenges and obstacles. As we embark on this journey, some of us mayfind the grapes within our grasp, while others may strive and still fall short. However, it is the latter group thatis often prone to the "sour grape syndrome."The syndrome manifests itself in various forms. It could be the disgruntled employee who complains about the company's policies yet refuses to put in the effort to change them. Or, it could be the student who.。
吃不到葡萄说葡萄酸的作文英语The Sour Grapes Syndrome.In the annals of human psychology, there exists a fascinating concept known as the "sour grapes syndrome," a term coined to describe the tendency of individuals to disparage something they cannot obtain or possess. This syndrome often manifests when faced with unattainable goals or desires, leading individuals to criticize and downgrade the value of those things they cannot have, often out of a sense of frustration or envy.The roots of this syndrome can be traced back to the ancient Greek fable about the fox and the grapes. In the story, a fox sees a vine laden with ripe grapes hanging high above him. Unable to reach them, he declares the grapes to be sour, thus justifying his failure to obtain them. This tale serves as a powerful metaphor for human nature, where we often find ourselves rationalizing our failures and shortcomings by denigrating what we cannothave.In modern society, the sour grapes syndrome manifests itself in various guises. It could be seen in the workplace, where colleagues who are passed over for a promotion might criticize the new position holder, saying that thepromotion was not deserved or that the person is not qualified enough. Similarly, in the realm of relationships, those who are rejected by a potential partner might disparage the other's character or attributes, claimingthat they are not worthy of the attention they received.The danger of the sour grapes syndrome lies in itsability to blind us to our own flaws and limitations. By constantly focusing on the negatives of what we cannot have, we risk missing out on the opportunities and possibilities that lie before us. We become trapped in a cycle of negativity, where everything that is not ours is automatically deemed inferior or unworthy.Moreover, this syndrome can also lead to a sense of entitlement and victimization. Those affected by it maybegin to believe that they are owed certain things or that they deserve better, without realizing that success and happiness often require hard work, perseverance, and a positive mindset. This entitlement mindset can be toxic, leading to feelings of resentment and bitterness towards others who have what they lack.To overcome the sour grapes syndrome, it is essential to cultivate a growth mindset. This involves embracing challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Instead of focusing on what we cannot have, we should strive to understand why we cannot have it and what we can do to make it possible in the future. This requires self-reflection and honest assessment of our own abilities and limitations.Additionally, it is crucial to cultivate gratitude and appreciation for what we do have. By acknowledging and celebrating the good things in our lives, we can shift our focus from what we lack to what we possess. This shift in perspective can help us appreciate the value of what we have and foster a more positive and fulfilling lifestyle.In conclusion, the sour grapes syndrome is a psychological trap that can hinder our growth and happiness. By acknowledging its existence and working to overcome it, we can embrace a more positive and productive mindset that allows us to appreciate what we have, learn from our failures, and strive for better futures. By doing so, wecan transform our lives from ones of envy and resentmentinto ones of gratitude, fulfillment, and success.。
狐狸得不到葡萄,便说葡萄是酸的英语作文The Sour GrapesOne sunny morning, I was walking to school when I saw a funny little fox trotting down the street. He looked pretty pleased with himself, which made me curious to see what he was up to. I followed along at a distance, trying not to scare him away.The fox wandered into a vineyard filled with rows and rows of grapevines loaded down with plump, juicy grapes. My mouth started watering just looking at them! The grapes were a deep purple color and looked ripe and delicious. I could almost taste the sweet flavor.The little fox must have been eyeing those grapes too, because he started sniffing around the vines excitedly. He paced back and forth, sizing up the grapes and licking his lips. Finally, the fox picked a vine and stood up on his hind legs to reach the hanging bunches of grapes. But try as he might, he just couldn't quite reach them no matter how high he stretched and strained.I watched feeling sorry for the poor little guy as he leapt and hopped and danced around, never able to grasp the grapes. After several failed attempts, the fox paused to catch his breath,panting heavily. I thought maybe he would give up and move on. But then a strange look came over his face."No matter," he said out loud, though there was nobody else around. "Those grapes are probably sour anyway. I didn't really want them."With that, the fox turned up his nose and trotted away, trying his best to look unbothered, as if the grapes were beneath him. But I could tell he was just pretending not to want them because he couldn't reach them. I felt bad that the little fox was too small and the grapes were hanging too high. If only he had been a bit taller or had something to stand on, he could have easily plucked those delicious grapes.As I continued on my way to school, I couldn't stop thinking about that silly fox and his sour grapes. The way he convinced himself he didn't want them just because he couldn't have them seemed a bit foolish to me. Why couldn't he just admit the grapes were out of reach instead of making up an excuse? It reminded me of the time I saw a brand new skateboard in the store and begged my parents for it, but they said no because it was too expensive. I was so disappointed that I tried to tell myself and my friends that I didn't really want that skateboardanyway. Deep down I knew I was just fibbing because I wished I could have had it.Later at school, I told my best friend Jake all about the fox and the grapes over lunch in the cafeteria. "That's just like the story my dad told me called 'The Fox and the Grapes'," Jake said through a mouthful of peanut butter and jelly. "In the fable, a fox can't reach some high hanging grapes, so he decides they must be sour and leaves.""That's exactly what happened!" I exclaimed. Jake nodded knowingly and took another big bite of his sandwich."Yep, it's an old story that teaches you shouldn't make up excuses when you can't get what you want. The fox convinces himself he doesn't want the grapes because they're sour, instead of just admitting the truth that they're out of his reach. It's like when a kid gets picked last for kickball but then says 'I didn't want to be on that team anyway' because their feelings are hurt."I thought about what Jake said as I munched on my baby carrots. The fox's behavior did seem a bit immature when you looked at it that way. Instead of just facing reality, he came up with a fib to make himself feel better. I realized grown-ups probably wouldn't make up silly excuses like that."I get it," I finally said. "The moral of the story is you shouldn't pretend not to want something you really do want, just because you can't have it. It's better to just tell the truth."Jake grinned and gave me a thumbs up. "Exactly! No point in lying to yourself by saying 'those grapes were sour' when you know they really looked plump and delicious."The story of the foolish fox and his sour grapes stuck with me after that. Whenever I feel disappointment over not getting something I really want, I remember that little fox's haughty strut as he turned his nose up at the grapes. I don't want to be like him and make up transparent excuses. It's better to just face facts, accept reality, and maybe come up with a plan for how I can try to get what I want next time instead of just dismissing it as "sour grapes". Pretending not to want something you can't have is just being dishonest with yourself.I've caught myself starting to call something "stupid" or "lame" simply because it was out of reach for me, just like the fox dismissing those grapes as sour. But now I stop myself and think about what I'm really feeling. If I genuinely don't want or like something, that's one thing. But if I'm just making excuses because I wish I could have it, I own up to that truth instead of thinking "oh, those grapes were probably sour anyway." Nopoint in lying to myself! I may be just a kid, but even I know it's better to accept reality than make up fibs.The next time I couldn't get something I wanted, I took a different approach than the fox. I had been dying for the newest video game that all the cool kids at school were playing. I bugged my parents about it for weeks, doing extra chores and showing them my good behavior, hoping they would get it for me. But they explained that we couldn't afford any expensive games right now because money was tight. At first, my disappointment made me want to tell myself and my friends "That game is dumb anyway, the graphics are ugly!" But then I remembered the fox and his sour grapes. Instead, I admitted the truth - that I really did want the game and thought it looked awesome and fun, but my parents couldn't get it for me at the moment. It stung to say it out loud, but it felt better than making up an excuse.The story of the fox always reminds me that it's better to accept reality than make up fibs, especially fibs to yourself. I'm just a kid, but even I can see there's no point in calling grapes "sour" just because I can't get them. If I keep being honest about what I really want, without making excuses, maybe one day I'll figure out how to finally pluck those grapes instead ofconvincing myself I never wanted them in the first place. The fox may have been too small, but I don't have to behave just as immaturely when life's grapes are out of reach. I can do better than pretending they're sour.。
SourGrapes探源
作者:徐国锦司喜强
来源:《中学教学参考·语英版》2009年第08期
2009年高考英语山东卷单选第29题是这样的:
—He says that the new car is a of money.
—Don’t you think those words are just sour grapes?
A. lack
B. load
C. question
D. waste
(答案为:D)
题干中的sour grapes究竟是何意?有无玄机?是否相当于汉语中普通的“酸葡萄”?笔者现作一简单探源。
此处sour grapes 其实为一习语(idiom)。
习语是作为一个单位使用的,一般不能从组成它的单个部分得出意义的一种表达法(an expression which functions as a single unit and whose meaning cannot be worked out from its separate parts)。
例如,“She washed her hands of the matter.” 译为“她不再过问这件事了”。
这句话中,正是由于习语的原因使得斜体英语部分与后面的汉语译文感觉有距离。
世界上凡是历史比较悠久的语言都包含大量的习语,英语是世界上使用广泛、表达手段丰富、文化传统灿烂的语言之一。
其中的许多习语像璀璨的明珠,艳丽夺目。
习语使用恰当会起到锦上添花之功效。
习语是人们在劳动中创造出来的,与人的生活环境息息相关。
当然,习语在本土化生长、演进的过程中,其中的优秀“颗粒”也会融进异域文化,被异域文化所吸纳,进而构成人类共享的、优秀的“个性化表达”。
本文中的sour grapes 来源于伊索(Aesop)寓言。
相传公元前6世纪,希腊有一位名叫伊索(Aesop)的奴隶,讲述了很多寓言故事,在民间流传很广,后来,有人把这些故事用文字记录下来,汇编成册,成为《伊索寓言》(The Fables of Aesop)。
伊索寓言来自民间,所以社会底层人民的生活和思想感情得到了较突出的反映,包括社会活动、生产劳动和日常生活等方面。
其中大多是动物故事,以动物为喻,教人道理。
如有对富人贪婪自私的揭露;有对恶人残忍本性的鞭挞;有对劳动创造财富的肯定;有对社会不平等的抨击;有对懦弱、懒惰的讽刺;有对勇敢斗争的赞美;还有许多寓言,教人如何处世,如何做好人,怎样辨别是非好坏,怎样变得聪明、智慧等等。
其中农夫和蛇、狼和小羊、龟兔赛跑、牧童和狼、农夫和他的孩子们、蚊子和狮子等故事都已经家喻户晓了。
伊索寓言故事生动,想象丰富,浅显的小故事中常常闪耀着智慧的光芒,爆发出机智的火花,蕴含着深刻的寓意。
世界各国的文学作品中,常常引用伊索寓言,或作为说理论证的比喻,或作为抨击与讽刺的武器。
伊索寓言是古希腊人生活和斗争的概括、提炼和总结,是古希腊人留给后人
的一笔精神遗产,其中的精华部分,至今仍有积极的现实意义。
Sour grapes 讲的是一只饥饿的狐狸在葡萄园里找东西吃的故事。
它望着一串串的紫葡萄沉甸甸地挂在葡萄藤上,尽全力往上蹿,可连最低的葡萄也够不着。
最后狐狸筋疲力尽,气冲冲地走开了,还边走边咕哝:“Well, what does it matter! The grapes are as sour as green lemons, and not at all to my taste.”(哼,谁要吃这样的葡萄,像青柠檬一样酸,不合我的口味。
)从此,sour grapes(酸葡萄)就成了“假装瞧不起自己想得到而实际上得不到的东西”的同义词了。
再查《朗文当代英语词典》可得这样的解释:the act of pretending to dislike what one really likes, but it is unobtainable(对于真正渴望的东西,因为得不到,便假装不喜欢)。
例如:
1.He says that my new car is a waste of money, but that’s just sour grapes. Really, he would like very much to own one himself. 他说我的新车是浪费钱,但他这么说就像狐狸说葡萄酸一样。
其实他自己巴不得有一辆这样的新车呢。
2.He said that it was a very boring job, but that was just sour grapes. Because he wasn’t offered it. 他说那是份很无聊的工作,但这不过是他因得不到这份工作而聊以自慰的话。
3.After Claire failed into drama school, she said she never wanted to be an actress anyway, but that’s just sour grapes.克莱尔未能进入戏剧学校,便说她根本就不想当演员,但(我们认为)这只是
聊以自慰的话。
4. You don’t want to win the prize, eh! I think it’s a case of sour grapes. You say you don’t want to because you know you can’t. 你不想得奖,啊!我认为这就像酸葡萄。
你说不想是因为你知道不可能得到。
由此观之,sour grapes 的最早源头在希腊,后入西文,再到汉语。
由于东西方文化传播、交融之久远绵长,汉语中早已接纳“酸葡萄”之说,其内在含义与英语中别无二致。
(责编周侯辰)。