finish on a sour note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finish on a sour note" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that ends negatively or leaves a bad impression, often after a more positive or neutral experience. Example: "The meeting started off well, but the discussion about budget cuts made us finish on a sour note."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The season finished on a sour note for the club, but it had been an unrivalled success for their deadly front trio.

The Guardian - Sport

The stock market finished August on a sour note yesterday, leaving investors facing the same doubts that have plagued them for months.

The New York Times

Despite finishing the season on a sour note Saturday by losing a game to the Washington Capitals and the Presidents Trophyy to the Vancouver Canucks, the anticipation was not diminished.

The New York Times - Sports

But he finished his round on a sour note with four consecutive bogeys for a 74, ending in a tie for 68th on one under.

BBC

The Nets trailed, 72-64, gointointhethe fourth quarter, trying not to finish their road trip on a sour note.

The New York Times - Sports

No chance now of old Earle, who still owns 1.6% of EMJ, ending his days on a sour note.

Forbes

Back in June, at Tennessee's Bonnaroo festival, Kacey Musgraves finished her performance of new single Biscuits on a sour note.

The Guardian - Music

The Suns missed the playoffs last season and Hill "didn't want to leave on a sour note," Babby said.

The New York Times - Sports

The day begins on a sour note when John mistakenly thinks no one remembers.

The New Yorker

The market opened on a sour note following Apple Computer 's warning last night.

Forbes

A grand day out for around one million people in Yorkshire ends on a sour note as Mark Cavendish, Britain's big hope of a stage win, crashes 200m from the finish line.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "finish on a sour note" when you want to emphasize that a situation, event, or relationship ended negatively, even if it started or progressed well initially. It adds a touch of disappointment or regret to the conclusion.

Common error

Avoid using "finish on a sour note" when the intention is to describe an abrupt or unexpected halt. The phrase specifically implies a negative or unpleasant ending, not just a sudden one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finish on a sour note" functions as an idiomatic expression. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation that ends negatively or leaves a bad impression, often after a more positive or neutral experience.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiomatic phrase "finish on a sour note" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something ending negatively. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's frequently used in news and media, with a neutral register, suitable for expressing disappointment about an undesirable conclusion. While there are several alternatives, such as "end on a negative note", it's crucial to ensure the phrase accurately reflects a negative ending, not just a sudden one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end on a negative note

Replaces 'sour' with 'negative', emphasizing the unpleasant conclusion.

conclude unhappily

Focuses on the unhappy outcome of the conclusion.

close with disappointment

Highlights the feeling of disappointment at the end.

leave a bad aftertaste

Emphasizes the lingering negative feeling after the event.

end in discord

Suggests a lack of agreement or harmony at the end.

end badly

A more general way to describe a negative conclusion.

end with a setback

Highlights a reversal or problem at the end.

terminate poorly

A more formal way to describe an unsatisfactory ending.

culminate in failure

Emphasizes the unsuccessful result at the end.

result in a regrettable conclusion

Highlights the regret associated with the ending.

FAQs

How can I use "finish on a sour note" in a sentence?

You can use "finish on a sour note" to describe an event or period that ended badly. For example: "The project started strong, but "finished on a sour note" due to budget cuts."

What does it mean to "finish on a sour note"?

To "finish on a sour note" means that something ended in a disappointing or unpleasant way, often after a period of success or neutrality.

What can I say instead of "finish on a sour note"?

Alternatives include "end on a negative note", "conclude unhappily", or "leave a bad aftertaste", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "finish on a high note" or "finish on a sour note"?

It is generally preferable to "finish on a high note", as that implies a positive and successful conclusion. "Finish on a sour note" suggests the opposite: a disappointing or unpleasant ending.