sob story: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘sob story’ mean?
A sob story refers to a tale of personal hardship or misfortune that is often exaggerated or fabricated. It is used to elicit sympathy or gain special treatment, typically with the intention of manipulating or deceiving others.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
The idiom "tell tales out of school" means to reveal or gossip about private or confidential information or secrets, especially ones that should not be shared publicly.
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
A "tall tale" is an exaggerated or fictional story that is often used to entertain or impress others. It may involve unbelievable events or highly exaggerated details, making it difficult to determine what is true and what is not.
When someone takes a tumble, they fall down or have a sudden accident.
The idiom *sugarcoated* means to make something seem more pleasant or attractive than it actually is, often by downplaying the negative aspects. It is often used to describe a way of presenting information or opinions in a way that is overly optimistic or rosy.
The idiom "stretch the truth" means to exaggerate or distort the facts to make a story or statement more interesting or favorable.
Unveiling Emotional Narratives
The idiom "sob story" refers to a tale or account that is designed to elicit sympathy or pity from the listener. It is a colloquial expression that has gained popularity and usage in American English.
Originating in the early 1900s, "sob story" is believed to have come from the verb "to sob," which means to cry or weep noisily. The idiom describes a narrative or anecdote that is intended to provoke an emotional response, particularly sadness or compassion.
"Sob story" is commonly used in various contexts, such as when someone is trying to gain sympathy or support. It is frequently employed in discussions about persuasive tactics, particularly in relation to fundraising or sales pitches.
There is no definitive source that pinpoints the exact origin or usage of "sob story." However, its meaning and usage have remained consistent over time, making it a widely recognized and understood idiom.
The idiom "sob story" is often used in a negative or skeptical manner. It is sometimes associated with manipulation or exaggeration, implying that the story being told is not entirely truthful or genuine. It can be used to express doubt or suspicion about the veracity of someone's account.
It is important to note that the term "sob story" is subjective in nature, as what may be perceived as a sob story by one person may elicit genuine sympathy or empathy from another.
The idiom "cock-and-bull story" is related to the concept of a sob story. It refers to a tall tale or a fabricated account that is meant to deceive or mislead the listener. Unlike a sob story, which aims to elicit sympathy, a cock-and-bull story is intended to entertain or amuse, often in a fantastical or unbelievable way.
The idiom "tall tale" is also similar to a sob story, but with a key difference. A tall tale is an exaggerated or fanciful story that stretches the limits of credibility. While a sob story may tug at the heartstrings, a tall tale is more likely to elicit laughter or disbelief.
A "tall story" is yet another related idiom, with a similar meaning to a tall tale. It describes a highly exaggerated or improbable account that is often intended to entertain or deceive. Like a sob story, a tall story can evoke strong emotions, but with a different aim.
The idiom "scare story" is also connected to the idea of a sob story. It refers to a narrative or anecdote that is intentionally frightening or alarming, often used to manipulate or influence the listener. While a sob story aims to evoke sympathy, a scare story seeks to invoke fear or anxiety.
The idiom "sob story" is a common expression used to describe a narrative or anecdote that is intended to provoke sympathy or pity. It is related to other idioms such as "cock-and-bull story," "tall tale," "tall story," and "scare story," which all involve storytelling techniques aimed at evoking specific emotional responses. These idioms add depth and nuance to the concept of a sob story, highlighting the various ways in which narratives can be used to influence and manipulate others.+
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "sob story" can be used in a sentence include:
- She always tells a sob story to get out of doing her chores.
- His sob story about his financial difficulties convinced her to lend him money.
- Don't believe every sob story you hear, some people just want to take advantage of your sympathy.
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