sob story

• Histoire ou récit destiné à susciter la pitié ou la compassion, souvent exagéré ou manipulateur.

A story or account intended to make people feel sympathy or pity, often exaggerated or manipulative.

1. A sad story told for sympathyB2informal

   A story or account of personal misfortune, often exaggerated or told to gain pity or sympathy from others.

   histoire à faire pleurer dans les chaumières

   • He told me a long sob story about losing his job to borrow money.
   • I'm tired of hearing her sob story every time she makes a mistake.
   • The beggar gave a sob story about his sick mother to get more donations.