sour note
A negative aspect to something mostly positive.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The argument ended the party on a sour note.”
“The vacation was perfect, but the lost luggage added a sour note to our final day.”
“While the ceremony was largely a success, the speaker's controversial remarks struck a sour note that lingered long after the event concluded.”
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blue note
The flatted 5th scale degree in the blues scale.
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compare notes
To exchange information and ideas about related experiences.
- 03
couldn't carry a note in a bucket
Not musically talented, unable to sing.
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false note
Of a remark or narrative, an indication (as discerned by the listener or reader) of untruth, insincerity, or inconsistency.
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hit the high notes
To produce or attain, at least for a period of time, an especially satisfactory degree of achievement or fulfilment.
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leave a sour taste in one's mouth
To give one an unpleasant feeling or memory.
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sour grapes
Things that somebody pretends to despise because they cannot obtain or have them.
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sour stomach
Indigestion.
Last updated August 10, 2026