Aladdin's lamp

Cultural  

1. The subject of a story in the Arabian Nights. The young boy Aladdin acquires a magic lamp that, when rubbed, brings forth a genie, who grants Aladdin's wishes to win the hand of the sultan's daughter and to build a palace. The magician who first gave Aladdin the lamp steals it back, but Aladdin regains the lamp, and he and the sultan's daughter live happily ever after.

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Example Sentences

“If Sarah had rubbed Aladdin’s lamp and commanded the Jinn to provide every luxury her most vivid imaginings could picture, the Jinn’s efforts would yet be far removed from the actuality.”

From Washington Post • Sep. 3, 2022

Cinderella's carriage and Aladdin's lamp are among a warehouse of pantomime props that were "abandoned" when the UK went into lockdown in March.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2020

The adventure of space was also an Aladdin’s lamp of sorts.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 17, 2019

“He makes his berth an Aladdin’s lamp, and lays him down in it,” Melville wrote, rhapsodizing about an oil “as sweet as early-grass butter in April.”

From New York Times • Jun. 12, 2010

Her letter was followed by a sad tale about the genie in Aladdin’s lamp.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine