Historical clue formulations

• Blue yarn? — 2024-06-21
• Tale of woe — 2021-09-14
• "Cry me a river!" elicitor, perhaps — 2021-04-24
• A play to one's emotions — 2020-08-28
• Excuse meant to elicit sympathy — 2020-05-12
• "Cue the violins!" elicitor — 2019-06-14
• Sympathy-arousing excuse — 2005-11-28
• Long, drawn-out excuse — 2005-11-15
• Tale of woe — 2001-02-11