___ story - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "___ story," is a classic example of a fill-in-the-blank that relies on knowledge of a common English idiom. For most solvers, this type of clue is a welcome sight, often providing a quick and confident entry into a section of the puzzle.

Clue Analysis

The clue presents a simple structure: a blank followed by the word "story." This format signals that the answer is a word that completes a familiar phrase. The solver's task is to access their mental library of common expressions and find the one that fits. The length of the answer, which you'd know from the grid, is the primary constraint.

Thinking Approaches

Direct Association: The most common approach is to mentally cycle through words that precede "story." Your brain might suggest love story, true story, short story, or bedtime story. If the grid calls for a three-letter word, most of these are immediately eliminated.
Consider the Connotation: Think about different types of stories. There are happy stories, scary stories, and sad stories. This clue points toward a story specifically designed to make someone feel sad or sympathetic.
Use the Crosses: For a short, three-letter answer, even a single crossing letter is incredibly powerful. If you have the 'S' at the beginning, you're well on your way. If you have the 'B' at the end, the answer becomes almost certain.

Background Context

A "sob story" is an idiomatic expression for a tale of personal hardship, distress, or misfortune that is told to elicit sympathy or pity from the listener. While it can be used to describe a genuinely tragic account, the term often carries a slightly cynical or dismissive connotation, implying that the story might be exaggerated or told with the manipulative intent of gaining an advantage.

Conclusion

This clue is a straightforward test of idiomatic English. Its simplicity makes it a great confidence-booster and a solid foothold for solving the surrounding clues. By recognizing the fill-in-the-blank format and tapping into common phrases, solvers can make quick work of this entry.

Hints

Hint 1: A type of tale meant to evoke pity.
Hint 2: This kind of narrative often details personal misfortunes.
Hint 3: The missing word is also a verb for crying audibly.

The answer is SOB.