- Home
- Idioms
- godmother
godmother
fairy godmother
1. In children's fairy tales, a woman with magical powers who appears in order to help others in their time of need. Cinderella's fairy godmother helped her get ready for the ball so she could meet Prince Charming.
2. Someone who helps others with their problems, usually providing financial assistance. Thank you so much for helping me with my car repair bill! You are my fairy godmother.
fairy godmother
someone who helps you solve your problems These children, sent to school without lunch or lunch money and sometimes without shoes, were in need of a fairy godmother. If a fairy godmother offered most editors a single wish, it would probably be the ability to predict sales.
Etymology: based on a character in a fairy tale (traditional story) who uses magic to help people
a fairy godmother
someone who helps you solve your problems, usually by giving you money
Usage notes: In children's stories, a fairy godmother is a woman with magic powers who helps someone who is in trouble.
A local company acted as fairy godmother to the theatre by giving a ￡1 million donation. fairy godmother
A generous benefactor, as in An anonymous fairy godmother donated the money for the new organ. This expression alludes to a stock character in fairy tales such as Cinderella, who gives unexpected and much needed assistance. [Late 1800s]