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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
damsel in distress
a young woman in trouble. humorous Damsel in distress makes humorous reference to the ladies in chivalric romances whose sole purpose was to be rescued from peril by a knight in shining armour (see knight).
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017