damsel in distress
Americannoun
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a person, usually a young woman, who needs to be rescued from danger or trouble of some kind.
This plumber is worth his weight in gold, and I would like to thank him for going out of his way to help this damsel in distress.
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Sometimes Damsel in Distress a trope or narrative device in movies, books, games, etc., portraying a female character as a victim in need of rescue.
It has an exotic locale, the classic battle of man against nature, and, of course, a damsel in distress.
Etymology
Origin of damsel in distress
First recorded in 1690–1700
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The minute Furiosa starts gnawing on her captor’s fuel line, though, Miller makes it clear that this wee captive is no damsel in distress.
From New York Times • May 15, 2024
Dunst, 41, says it is refreshing her character is the lead in an action film and not a "damsel in distress".
From BBC • Apr. 2, 2024
But also, it has a lot of humor surrounding it, because it's that damsel in distress kind of character.
From Salon • Jul. 29, 2023
I never imagined Marion as a damsel in distress in any sort of way.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 1, 2023
I lunge on cue, save the damsel in distress.
From "Bronx Masquerade" by Nikki Grimes
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
