# sob story

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/sob-story
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A sad story, especially one intended to elicit sympathy.

## Examples

- She told him a sob story to get extra time.
- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.