fairy godmother

[ fair-ee god-muhth-er ]

noun

1. a kindly sponsor or guardian; godmother.
2. a fairy-tale character who uses magical powers to help a hero or heroine.

fairy godmother

noun

1. a character in certain fairy stories who brings unexpected benefits to the hero or heroine
2. any benefactress, esp an unknown one

Word History and Origins

Origin of fairy godmother¹

First recorded in 1710–20

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Who doesn’t love a fairy godmother who can make a few calls to reduce your problems if not make them entirely vanish?

From Salon

Reece, wearing a flowy mint green dress with butterflies in her hair, floats around the tables like a crafting fairy godmother with words of encouragement and reminders that this isn’t a competition.

From Los Angeles Times

During the first act of “Once Upon a One More Time,” the Broadway jukebox musical that grooves to the Britney Spears oeuvre, a fairy godmother arrives with a present for Cinderella.

From New York Times

“She’s just like our fairy godmother. We just appreciate her for everything she has done so far.”

From Seattle Times

Like a modern-day fairy godmother, she gives people the chance to rock high-end dresses and outfits they might not be able to otherwise afford at proms, job interviews, weddings and other special events.

From Seattle Times