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. Ugh, I'm running so late, I could use a fairy godmother to help me get ready for prom! Mommy, when is my fairy godmother going to come along and give me a fancy dress?
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. Look, I hate seeing you struggle like this, but I can't be your fairy godmother. You need to come up with the money on your own. Mom, don't let the kids give you some sob story about needing money. You're their grandmother, not their fairy godmother.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
a fairy godmother
A fairy godmother is a person, especially a woman, who helps someone a lot. When I began in the business, the woman I regarded as my fairy godmother was Sybil Thorndike. Our country needs a fairy godmother to pay its debts.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
a/your ˌfairy ˈgodmother
a person who helps you unexpectedly when you most need help: You’ll need a fairy godmother to get you out of your present difficulties.The fairy godmother is the magical character in the story of Cinderella who helps Cinderella go to the ball.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017