She told him a sob story to get extra time.
sob story
idiomA sad story, especially one intended to elicit sympathy.
The beggar on the corner always uses the same sob story about losing his job.
Though skeptical of her tearful sob story, the judge nonetheless granted the widow a brief extension on her debts.
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Banbury story of a cock and a bull
A roundabout, nonsensical story.
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break the story
To be the first to address or publicize an issue, often a news story.
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change one's story
To give an account of events different from the one previously recounted.
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cock-and-bull story
A far-fetched and fanciful story or tale of highly dubious validity.
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long story short
Introducing a short version of, or simply the conclusion of, a relevant story.
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moral of the story
The key lesson or message that an incident, situation or other happening conveys; a general takeaway point.
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same old story
What usually happens; an occurrence that is tediously familiar.
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scare story
A rumour spread by a scaremonger in order to cause anxiety.