damsel in distress

A helpless woman who needs to be rescued from some danger. The term is a reference to the stereotypical female character in romantic stories who serves solely to be rescued by a heroic male character. It's not like I'm a damsel in distress, Dad—I'll be fine living on my own. How does he not see that her whole "damsel in distress" thing is just an act? That, when she's on her own, she's more than capable of taking care of herself? I refuse to be a damsel in distress out on the road, so please teach me how to change a tire.

a ˌdamsel in diˈstress

(humorous) a woman who needs help from a man, often to solve a practical problem: When I got a flat tyre I had to wait for my boyfriend to come and help me, like a true damsel in distress!

Damsel is an old word for a young woman who is not married.