"Sad to say …"

ALAS

This three-letter exclamation often precedes bad news in old tales or poetry, like a sigh put into words.

The phrase "Sad to say …" hints at an expression of regret or sorrow, which is exactly what "alas" means. It’s an old-fashioned interjection—like "oh no" or "unfortunately"—often used in literature or dramatic speech to convey disappointment. The clue plays on the literal meaning of the word, with no hidden wordplay or tricks. Think of it as the kind of thing someone might sigh before delivering bad news.