Ugly duckling

/ˈʌɡli dˈʌklɪŋ/

[noun]

Ugly duckling

[NOUN]

an unattractive or unsuccessful person or thing that later turns attractive or successful

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.

Nearby words