sour note

Explaining his decision, he told Reuters he didn't want to risk going out on a sour note.

The spat ended last year on a sour note for the two drivers, who have had run-ins in previous seasons.

"It left a sour note and felt like the Grinch stole our Christmas. Even though it was really hard work, I loved meeting all the kids and having fun."

Those moves have already introduced a sour note to the post-Assad euphoria among the population.

Farrell, who will temporarily hand over the reins to defence coach Simon Easterby for the Six Nations and a summer tour, will be relieved after another error-filled Irish display threatened to end their year on a sour note.