ugly duckling
English
WOTD – 27 October 2009
Etymology
Calque of Danish grim ælling. From the fairy tale of a duckling, considered ugly, that matures into a magnificent swan.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU) (file)
Noun
ugly duckling (plural ugly ducklings)
- (idiomatic) A young person who is ugly, but who is expected to become beautiful or handsome as they mature.
- 2019 December 4, Andy Coward, “Derby's crowning achievement”, in Rail, page 57:
- The ugly duckling has become a very fine swan, and Rachel Sprigg and her team have worked hard to ensure that Derby is a worthy winner of that coveted National Rail Award. They can be proud of their achievements.
Translations
one who is ugly, but who is expected to become beautiful or handsome as they mature
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