a hard-luck story

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a hard-luck story

A typically self-pitying tale of misfortune, hardship, adversity, etc., told especially to gain sympathy or charity from others. Here he goes again with some hard-luck story to get us to pay for his drinks.

a hard-ˈluck story

a story about yourself that you tell somebody in order to get their sympathy or help: He stopped me in the street and told me a long hard-luck story about his wife leaving him. All he really wanted was some money. ♢ Don’t give me any of your hard-luck stories, John. I don’t believe them.

See also: story

References in periodicals archive ?

WHEN you're a punter every winner is welcome, unless it's Michael Winner, but you can often dine out longer on a hard-luck story.

RESULT!: Bookie pays for big cr-Ash; IN ASSOCIATION WITH William HILL

It's a hard-luck story with a very happy ending, whatever happens at Newbury.

Record View: Heart's racing

"As I was waiting in the queue, researchers were asking if anyone had a hard-luck story. I explained I had been made redundant only three days before so they picked me to enter the competition."

Hello bruv, got a new motor?; FAMILY FORTUNES: ALLAN AND STUART WIN CARS IN SEPARATE COMPETITIONS