feed on illusions; sour grapes; false consolation
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to console oneself with false satisfaction; to feed one's fancy; sour grapes
literaryDerived from the image of someone walking past a butcher shop (屠门) and pretending to chew (大嚼) meat they cannot afford. Similar to the English expression 'sour grapes' but emphasizes the self-deceptive aspect of wishful thinking. Often used to criticize those who satisfy themselves with empty fantasies rather than taking concrete action.
He can't afford that sports car, so he can only console himself by looking at pictures of it online every day.
Don't just engage in wishful thinking; work hard to save money to make your dream come true.
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Watching others eat a big meal, he could only satisfy himself vicariously from the sidelines.
This kind of self-deceptive approach simply cannot solve real problems.