anyway

in any way, shape, or form

In any way, style, or manner at all. I've been doing this job for 30 years, so I know I'm the most qualified candidate in any way, shape, or form! I will not tolerate rudeness in any way, shape, or form.

See also: any, form

not in any way, shape, or form

Not in any manner or capacity whatsoever; under no circumstances. I don't want him participating in this event, you hear me? Not in any way, shape, or form! This sort of behavior is not acceptable in any way, shape, or form.

See also: any, form, not

the grapes are sour anyway

Criticism or disparagement of that which one cannot have or achieve. The phrase originated in one of Aesop's fables, in which a fox that cannot reach some grapes deems them sour and therefore undesirable, rather than admitting that he has failed. He always mocks sports cars as being really impractical, but I think he's just sick with envy. The grapes are sour anyway, if you catch my drift. The senator's remarks about the bill turned vitriolic after her rider was rejected. She seems to be saying that the grapes are sour anyway.

See also: anyway, grape, sour

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

in any way, shape, or form

Fig. in any manner. I refuse to tell a lie in any way, shape, or form!

See also: any, form

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.