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

That was like if the fairy godmother went “ding,” when she touched my hair.

From Ozy

Virtual Kim swans in every so often to dish out advice like a buxom fairy godmother.

From The Daily Beast

The stories are also populated by fairy godmother characters who are old, rich, and wise.

From The Daily Beast

There was one old lady who was the very Fairy Godmother of the stories.

From Project Gutenberg

Do you remember the place where I used to play fairy godmother, and wind the flowers into my hair?

From Project Gutenberg

Since the descent of the fairy-godmother upon the class a year ago, no miracle seemed impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

The Buckle had been Ronald's fairy godmother—yet his father did not blame him for abhorring and disowning it.

From Project Gutenberg

When she smiled, all the children agreed together afterwards, she looked more like a fairy godmother than ever.

From Project Gutenberg