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Ugly duckling
/ˈʌɡli dˈʌklɪŋ/
/ˈʌɡli dˈʌklɪŋ/
Ugly duckling
[NOUN]What is the origin of the idiom "ugly ducking" and when to use it?
The phrase "Ugly duckling" comes from a classic children's story by Hans Christian Andersen called "The Ugly Duckling," in which a young bird grows into a beautiful swan. The idiom is often used to describe situations where someone or something undergoes a remarkable positive change.
Examples
1. Was it the Ugly Duckling?
2. - I just saw the Ugly Duckling.
3. The Ugly Duckling stayed on the moor for a few days.
4. The Ugly Duckling stayed on the moor for a few days.
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