sob story
US /ˈsɑːb ˌstɔː.ri/
UK /ˈsɑːb ˌstɔː.ri/
1.
a story told to gain sympathy or to manipulate someone emotionally
:
•
He always comes up with a sob story when he needs money.
•
I'm tired of hearing your sob story every time you mess up.
a story told to gain sympathy or to manipulate someone emotionally